Pleurosorus rutifolius

Blanket Fern

Small erect tufted fern on a short scaly underground stem (rhizome).

FamilyAspleniaceae
StoreyLower storey
Size4-18 cm x 10 cm
Plant groupingFerns & Fern Allies
LeavesOblong, blunt, dark green once-divided fronds, irregularly lobed or notched fan-shaped segments 4-20 mm long in 3-8 almost opposite pairs. Densely covered in clear to rusty hairs. Hairy green stem shorter than frond, scales tufted at base, scattered above
FlowersNon-flowering. Narrow oblong spore cases radiate out from the segment base along veins. They may spread to join with age.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsDry well drained soil in rock crevices and gorges associated with woodland. Full sun. Plants will shrivel in extreme dryness and become brown, reviving and regreening after rain. Plants are softer, greener and less hairy in sheltered positions.
Garden useAn attractive little fern planted amongst rocks in dry areas with lower humidity. Do not like overwatering. Suitable for pots if kept in an open position.
Commercially availableNever
Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from two sites. More common outside the Shire.