Woodsia sp.
Cliff fern, Cliff Fern
Family: Woodsiaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Woodsia sp. (Cliff fern) is a native California perennial in the Woodsiaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Cystopteris: Woodsia has symmetrical pinnae and cup-like indusia; Cystopteris has hood-like indusia and tapered pinnae tips.; vs Phacelia: Woodsia is a fern with spores underneath; Phacelia is a flowering plant with coiled flower clusters.; vs Athyrium: Woodsia has round sori with cup-like indusia; Athyrium has elongated, curved sori along veins.
Frequently asked questions
Is Woodsia sp. native to California?
Yes. Woodsia sp. is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Woodsia sp. belong to?
Woodsia sp. is in the Woodsiaceae family, genus Woodsia.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.