Sign In 
Get Premium Green Cliffbrake
(Cheilanthes viridis)
Green Cliffbrake (Cheilanthes viridis)
/
/
i_c_riddell
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
i_c_riddell
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: i_c_riddell | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: i_c_riddell | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2017-12-24T08:44:18-08:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Cheilanthes viridis, commonly known as Green Cliffbrake, is a semi-deciduous fern native to rocky slopes, cliffs, and crevices in Eastern and Southern Africa, where it thrives in the sheltered, humid microclimates. It typically grows to a height and width of approximately 2 feet (0.6 meters), featuring finely divided fronds that are bright green and somewhat leathery in texture. The fronds can survive dry periods by curling up and appearing dead, only to unfurl again with the return of moisture.
Green Cliffbrake is valued for its adaptability and textural contrast in shaded garden areas, rockeries, and as a potted specimen. It is often used to create a lush, tropical feel in temperate gardens. While it prefers high humidity, it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. It requires well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade, although it prefers some protection from intense afternoon sun. This fern does not have notable flowers or fruit but is appreciated for its evergreen foliage in milder climates and its resilience in challenging growing conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Green Cliffbrake is valued for its adaptability and textural contrast in shaded garden areas, rockeries, and as a potted specimen. It is often used to create a lush, tropical feel in temperate gardens. While it prefers high humidity, it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. It requires well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade, although it prefers some protection from intense afternoon sun. This fern does not have notable flowers or fruit but is appreciated for its evergreen foliage in milder climates and its resilience in challenging growing conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Fern
- Height: 1-1.5 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
- Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: High
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Rocky slopes, cliffs, and crevices in Eastern and Southern Africa
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Pellaea viridis, Cheilanthes viridis, Pellaea viridis var. viridis, Pellaea adiantoides, Pellaea flavescens, Ormopteris flavescens, Adiantum viride, Pellaea viridis var. canonica, Pteridella viridis
GBIF Accepted Name: Cheilanthes viridis (Forssk.) Sw.