Coffee Fern

Unlike other ferns, the coffee fern does not have distinct pointed leaflets; rather, the scraggly fronds have rounded, oval leaflets, curling under around the edges. The leaves, green to purple in color, sprout from the wiry reddish-brown fronds in opposite pairs. The fronds typically stretch about 18 inches long, though the size depends on the plant’s condition and age.

Basic Information

• Member of the Maidenhair Family (Pteridaceae)

• Perennial herb and fern

• There is one recognized variety, Pellaea andromedifolia var. pubescens, which occurs along the coast of southern California, near the border

Habitat

• Native to Oregon south to Baja California, Mexico

• Found in chaparral, grasslands and moist woodlands in rocky crevices and on shaded slopes

Reproduction

• This is a non-flowering species — rather than produce flowers, this plant releases airborne spores to reproduce

Alternative Names

• Coffee cliffbrake, coffeeberry fern