Silver Cloak Fern

(Aleuritopteris argentea)

Silver Cloak Fern (Aleuritopteris argentea)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Aleuritopteris argentea, commonly known as Silver Cloak Fern, is a deciduous fern native to rocky slopes and crevices in forested areas of Northeast Asia, including China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, and Mongolia. It typically grows to a height and width of 0.3-1 feet (0.09-0.3 meters), forming dense clumps of fronds with a distinctive silvery sheen due to the white farina on the underside. The fern’s appearance is most notable for its attractive foliage, which adds a unique texture and color contrast in garden settings.

Silver Cloak Fern is valued for its ornamental foliage and its adaptability to a range of garden conditions. It is often used in shaded rock gardens, woodland gardens, and as an understory plant in shaded borders. While it prefers part shade, it can tolerate some sun if kept moist. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring well-drained soil and consistent moisture without being waterlogged. This fern is not known for significant pest or disease problems, but it can suffer from root rot if overwatered. It is also not known to be invasive when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Fern
  • Height: 0.3-1 feet
  • Width: 0.3-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden

Natural Habitat

native to rocky slopes and crevices in forested areas of Northeast Asia, including China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, and Mongolia

Other Names

Common Names:

Scientific Names: , Cheilanthes argentea, Aleuritopteris argentea, Aleuritopteris michelii, Aleuritopteris argentea var. geraniifolia, Doryopteris michelii, Pteris argentea, Cassebeera argentea, Dryopteris argentea, Aleuritopteris argentea var. flava

GBIF Accepted Name: Aleuritopteris argentea (S.G.Gmel.) Fée