Polystichum lonchitis
Holly fern
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Family: Dryopteridaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 3
Polystichum lonchitis (Holly fern) is a native California herb in the Dryopteridaceae family, recognized by very short stipe and simple pinnate division.
Holly fern is a California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges, northern Sierra Nevada High Country including Yolla Bolly Mountains, and northern Sierra Nevada in shaded, moist granite or limestone crevices and bluffs at elevations of 1,700 to 2,600 meters. This fern has deep green fronds generally 10 to 60 centimeters long with distinctive lance-ovate scales at the base of its stipe. Growing with a linear, one-pinnate blade structure, its pinnae are typically 1 to 3 centimeters long with proximal segments roughly half the length of the upper pinnae. Its fronds feature triangular lower pinnae and a delicate, structured growth pattern characteristic of ferns in high-elevation rocky environments. The fern's sporangia have an entire or minutely toothed indusium, contributing to its distinctive alpine woodland appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 7 sympatric species; distinguished by very short stipe and simple pinnate division
Habitat and range
Habitat: Generally shaded, moist or wet, granite or limestone crevices or bluffs
Elevation: 1700-2600 m
California counties: Siskiyou, Humboldt, Mariposa, Napa, Placer, Del Norte, Trinity, Alpine, Shasta, Plumas, Tehama, Sierra, Butte
Outside California: to Alaska, eastern Canada, Rocky Mountains, Eurasia
Conservation status
CNPS 3
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 lonchitis native to California?
Yes. Polystichum lonchitis is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Polystichum lonchitis grow?
Polystichum lonchitis occurs in Siskiyou, Humboldt, Mariposa, Napa, Placer, Del Norte, Trinity, Alpine and other counties, at elevations of 1700-2600 m.
What plant family does Polystichum lonchitis belong to?
Polystichum lonchitis is in the Dryopteridaceae family, genus Polystichum.
Is Polystichum lonchitis rare or endangered?
Polystichum lonchitis carries California Rare Plant Rank 3, state rank S3.
What habitat does Polystichum lonchitis grow in?
Polystichum lonchitis grows in Generally shaded, moist or wet, granite or limestone crevices or bluffs.
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.