Family: Pteridaceae
dwarf cliff brake, smooth cliff brake
Etymology: Pellaea: from Greek pellaios, "dark," possibly alluding to the stalks of this fern which are generally dark
Plants: perennial fern
Habitat: limestone or sandstone cliffs
Conservation Status: Native
Plants: perennial fern
Habitat: limestone or sandstone cliffs
Conservation Status: Native
-dry sites on rock faces
-spores held in enrolled margins of undersides of pinnules
-pinnae simple to 3 to 5(-7)-parted
-fertile pinnae look thick and leathery, somewhat bluish green
-stipe smooth, wiry, dark reddish brown
Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 10 USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos University of Wisconsin - Green Bay: Fern & Fern Allies: Photos, descriptions, information