Slender Lip Fern
(Myriopteris gracilis)
Slender Lip Fern (Myriopteris gracilis)
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Gordon C. Snelling
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Gordon C. Snelling
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Gordon C. Snelling | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Gordon C. Snelling | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 44499 |



















































Estimated Native Range
Summary
Myriopteris gracilis, commonly known as Slender Lip Fern, is an evergreen perennial herb that thrives in a variety of habitats including rocky slopes, canyon walls, and shaded crevices in arid and semi-arid regions, as well as in chaparral and woodlands in North America and Northwestern Mexico. It typically grows to a modest size, with fronds reaching up to 12 inches long. The fern’s appearance is characterized by its delicate, finely divided fronds that are light green in color, providing a soft texture in garden settings.
Slender Lip Fern is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to grow in challenging conditions, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and rock gardens. It is also used in shaded borders or as an understory plant in dry woodland gardens. This fern requires minimal maintenance once established and is best suited to well-drained soils. It prefers partial to full shade, especially in hotter climates, to prevent scorching of the fronds. While it is drought-tolerant, occasional watering during prolonged dry periods can keep it looking its best.CC BY-SA 4.0
Slender Lip Fern is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to grow in challenging conditions, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and rock gardens. It is also used in shaded borders or as an understory plant in dry woodland gardens. This fern requires minimal maintenance once established and is best suited to well-drained soils. It prefers partial to full shade, especially in hotter climates, to prevent scorching of the fronds. While it is drought-tolerant, occasional watering during prolonged dry periods can keep it looking its best.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Fern
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 1-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Rocky slopes, canyon walls, shaded crevices in arid and semi-arid regions, chaparral, and woodlands
Other Names
Common Names: Hairy Lipfern
Scientific Names: , Cheilanthes feei, Myriopteris gracilis, Cheilanthes gracilis, Cheilanthes lanuginosa, Allosorus vestitus, Hemionitis feei, Myriopteris lanuginosa,
GBIF Accepted Name: Myriopteris gracilis Fée