Great Plant Pick: Leathery polypody

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, November 15, 2023

What: The leathery polypody, also known as Polypodium scouleri, has fern fronds with thick, lime-green leaflets and stalks rising from a slowly expanding underground stem. It is native to the west coast of North America from British Columbia through Washington, Oregon, and California to Baja California mainly in maritime habitats of coastal prairie, redwood forest and mixed evergreen forest.

Where: Polypodium scouleri is found growing on a variety of substrates including volcanic, rocky cliffs and forest floors as well as on live and dead trees. Plant in open to dappled or deep shade, and the soil should be well-draining but rich in humus.

Size: One foot high by 2 feet wide in 10 years.

Care: This native hugs Western coast habitat where humidity is high, so water regularly during dry periods.

— greatplantpicks.org