Starscale Fern
Pleopeltis astrolepis
- Native to:
- Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Mexico, Nicaragua, Panamá, Peru, Puerto Rico, Suriname, United States, Virgin Islands, Windward Is.
iNaturalist: © gcwarbler (iNaturalist #5009585)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Pteridophyta | - Ferns
- Family:
- Polypodiaceae
- Genus:
- Pleopeltis
- Species:
- Pleopeltis astrolepis
- USDA Symbol:
- PLAS2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- often found on rocky outcrops and tree trunks
Propagation & Germination
- Notes:
- Fern reproduces by spores; spore germination requires moist, shaded conditions and can take several weeks to months.