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(Pellaea atropurpurea)
Purple Cliffbrake (Pellaea atropurpurea)
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Sam Kieschnick
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Sam Kieschnick
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Sam Kieschnick | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Sam Kieschnick | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2017-08-20T04:55:51-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Pellaea atropurpurea, commonly known as Purple Cliffbrake, is an evergreen fern that is native to rocky outcrops and cliff faces in limestone-rich areas, primarily in the central and eastern United States, extending into Mexico and Central America. It typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet and a width of 2-3 feet. The fern is characterized by its purplish-black stems and blue-green, leathery fronds that are divided into rounded pinnae, giving it a distinctive appearance. The fertile fronds are longer and more finely divided than the sterile ones, and they stand erect to release spores.
Purple Cliffbrake is valued for its unique foliage color and texture, making it a striking addition to rock gardens, shaded borders, and as a ground cover in dry, rocky areas. It is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance, thriving in part shade to full sun. This fern prefers well-drained soils, particularly those that are alkaline due to its affinity for limestone. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can suffer from root rot if planted in poorly drained soils. In cultivation, it is important to mimic its native rocky habitat to ensure healthy growth.CC BY-SA 4.0
Purple Cliffbrake is valued for its unique foliage color and texture, making it a striking addition to rock gardens, shaded borders, and as a ground cover in dry, rocky areas. It is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance, thriving in part shade to full sun. This fern prefers well-drained soils, particularly those that are alkaline due to its affinity for limestone. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can suffer from root rot if planted in poorly drained soils. In cultivation, it is important to mimic its native rocky habitat to ensure healthy growth.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-1.5 feet
- Width: 2-2.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Rocky outcrops and cliff faces in limestone-rich areas
Other Names
Common Names: Hairy Cliffbrake , Purple-Stemmed Cliffbrake , Purple-Stem Cliff-Brake , Pelléa Pourpre Foncé , Pelléade À Stipe Pourpre , Purple-Stem Cliffbrake
Scientific Names: Pellaea atropurpurea , Pteris atropurpurea , Pellaea atropurpurea var. cristata , Pellaea atropurpurea var. atropurpurea , Allosorus atropurpureus , Asplenium atropurpureum , Cassebeera atropurpurea , Cassebeera atropurpurea var. minima , Hemionitis atropurpurea , Notholaena atropurpurea
GBIF Accepted Name: Pellaea atropurpurea (L.) Link