Rock Polypody

(Polypodium virginianum)

Rock Polypody (Polypodium virginianum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Polypodium virginianum, commonly known as rock polypody or common polypody, is a small evergreen fern native to rocky outcrops, moist woods, and shaded slopes in the Eastern United States and Canada. It typically forms dense clumps and has a slow to moderate growth rate. The fern reaches a modest height of 8–40 centimeters (3.1–15.7 inches) with a similar width. Its narrow, oblong leaves are pinnatifid with acuminate tips and are borne on smooth, scaleless petioles that are 3–15 centimeters (1.2–5.9 inches) long. The foliage remains green throughout the year, adding winter interest to the garden.

Rock polypody is valued for its adaptability to shaded conditions and its evergreen foliage, which provides year-round texture. It is often used in woodland gardens, rock gardens, and as a ground cover in shaded areas. This fern is low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established. It prefers part shade to full shade and medium amounts of water, thriving in well-drained, humus-rich soils. While generally free from serious pests and diseases, it can occasionally suffer from foliar nematodes or fungal issues in overly wet conditions. Rock polypody is not known to be invasive and does not have aggressive roots, making it a safe choice for cultivation near structures.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Fern
  • Height: 0.5-1 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Rocky outcrops, moist woods, and shaded slopes

Other Names

Common Names: American Wall Fern, Common Polypody, Common Rock Polypody, Polypody Fern, Rock Cap Fern, Polypode De Virginie, Tripe De Roche, Virginsk Stensöta, 좀미역고사리

Scientific Names: , Polypodium virginianum, Polypodium vulgare var. virginianum, Polypodium virginianum f. acuminatum, Polypodium virginianum f. cambricoides, Polypodium vulgare var. acuminatum, Polypodium virginianum f. deltoideum, Polypodium vulgare subsp. virginianum, Polypodium virginianum f. bipinnatifidum, Polypodium virginianum f. subsimplex

GBIF Accepted Name: Polypodium virginianum L.