Pellaea falcata

Sickle Fern

Rigid clumping perennial herb spreading from short, branched underground stems. Fertile and sterile fronds separate, similar. Young fronds bent over rather than coiled. Midrib remains after segments die.

Additional information

• FamilyPteridaceae (syn. Adiantaceae)
• StoreyLower storey
• Size30-80 cm high
• Plant groupingFerns & Fern Allies
• LeavesErect, oblong, leathery shiny dark green fronds, dull below, once divided, on dark brown grooved stems. Central rib densely hairy and scaly. Segments shortly stalked, oblong to sickle-shaped, 2-6 cm x 2-13 mm, margins sometimes wavy.
• FlowersNon-flowering. Spore clusters in a narrow band along the segment margin, partially covered by marginal flap when young.
• Bird attractingNo
• Butterfly attractingNo
• Frog habitatNo
• Growing conditionsMoist well drained alluvial soils in forests and moist scrubs or on rocky slopes. Some sun, semi shade to dappled shade.
• Garden useA tough fern for ferneries and rockeries where there is root protection. Containers.
• Commercially availableGenerally
• Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions

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