Polystichum lemmonii
Lemmon's hollyfern
(c) Timothy McNitt, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Dryopteridaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Polystichum lemmonii (Lemmon's hollyfern) is a native California herb in the Dryopteridaceae family, recognized by 2-pinnate division without bristle-tipped teeth.
Lemmon's hollyfern is a California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges, northern Coast Ranges, northern California Coast Ranges, and northern Sierra Nevada at elevations of 1,200 to 2,600 meters in serpentine areas, rocky streambeds, and rocky ledges. This fern produces narrow-lanceolate fronds 15 to 40 centimeters long with a distinctive pinnate structure. Growing with delicate, finely divided leaflets generally 1 to 3 centimeters long, it has a stipe (leaf stem) that comprises approximately one-quarter to one-third of the blade's total length. Its fronds feature base scales approximately 2 millimeters wide, predominantly lance-linear in shape, with pinnae that have subtle teeth without pronounced bristle-like tips. The fern's compact growth and intricate leaf structure make it well-adapted to rocky, serpentine habitats in California's mountainous regions.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 8 sympatric species; distinguished by 2-pinnate division without bristle-tipped teeth
Habitat and range
Habitat: Serpentine, rocks, ledges, rocky streambeds
Elevation: 1200-2600 m
California counties: Siskiyou, Plumas, Shasta, Trinity, Contra Costa, Placer, Butte, Tehama, Del Norte, Santa Clara
Outside California: to British Columbia
How to tell it apart
vs Nephrolepis: Polystichum has bristle-tipped teeth and grows in wild habitats; Boston fern has smooth-edged leaflets and escapes from cultivation.; vs Dryopteris: Polystichum fronds feel prickly with bristle-tipped teeth; Dryopteris fronds feel smooth without bristles.; vs Polypodium: Polystichum has shield-shaped spore covers and bristly edges; polypody has naked round spore dots and smooth margins.; vs Struthiopteris: Polystichum has one frond type with bristly teeth; ostrich fern has separate narrow fertile fronds and smooth sterile ones.; vs Athyrium: Polystichum feels prickly and has shield-shaped spore covers; lady ferns feel soft with curved, elongated spore clusters.
Frequently asked questions
Is Polystichum lemmonii native to California?
Yes. Polystichum lemmonii is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Polystichum lemmonii grow?
Polystichum lemmonii occurs in Siskiyou, Plumas, Shasta, Trinity, Contra Costa, Placer, Butte, Tehama and other counties, at elevations of 1200-2600 m.
What plant family does Polystichum lemmonii belong to?
Polystichum lemmonii is in the Dryopteridaceae family, genus Polystichum.
What habitat does Polystichum lemmonii grow in?
Polystichum lemmonii grows in Serpentine, rocks, ledges, rocky streambeds.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.