Coastal Lipfern*
Myriopteris intertexta
Care
part shade, full shade
very low
well-draining, rocky or gravelly soil
0–1ft tall , 0–1ft wide
N/A
Evergreen
Resistant
Friendly
Coastal bluffs and rocky areas from San Luis Obispo County south to San Diego County, below 1000 ft elevation.
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
Southern California endemic
Coastal horned lizard, population declining
Wildlife Supported
Arachnids
Construct webs among fronds to intercept arthropod prey
Birds
Dense fern patches provide covey cover and nesting habitat
Forages for small arthropods and insects among fern fronds
Nesting season cover in coastal sage scrub; forages for insects among fronds
Breeding season shelter and foraging habitat for aerial insects
Insects
Feed on fern tissue and associated arthropods; primary prey base for insectivores
Establish colonies in soil surrounding fern rhizoids; forage among fronds
Mammals
Uses dense fern cover for nest sites and predator avoidance
Incorporates fern fronds into nest structures; uses for cover
Reptiles
Uses fern cover for thermoregulation and predator avoidance
Microhabitat shelter in fern fronds and soil interface
Uses frond bases and rhizoid clusters for refuge and thermoregulation