Coffee Fern

Pellaea andromedifolia

fernView on Calscape

Care

Sun

part shade

Water

low

Soil

well-drained, rocky; surprisingly drought tolerant for a fern

Size

1–2ft tall, 1–2ft wide

Foliage

Evergreen

Deer

Resistant

Container

Friendly

Native Range

California and Baja California in dry rocky habitats

Non-flowering; reproduces by spores

Most drought tolerant native fern; blue-green wiry fronds; unique texture

Care Guide

Planting

Plant your coffee fern in part shade with well-drained, rocky soil - it's surprisingly drought tolerant for a fern, so drainage matters more than moisture. Choose a spot that won't stay wet, and space it according to its mature size of 0.5–2.0 feet. This fern works well in containers if your soil tends to hold water, which makes it easier to control drainage. Plant in fall or winter when Bay Area temperatures are mild.

After Planting

Water weekly during your first summer to establish the plant, then taper off once it's rooted - it will need very little water after establishment. Coffee fern is evergreen and deer resistant, so you won't need to protect it or worry about seasonal dormancy. The #1 mistake is overwatering: this plant prefers dry conditions, so err on the side of underwatering rather than keeping the soil moist. If the fronds yellow or develop soft spots, you've watered too much.

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Endangered & Threatened Species Supported

Coastal horned lizardPhrynosoma coronatum

Coastal horned lizard, population declining

CA: Threatened, CA Special Concern

California scrub-jayAphelocoma californica

California Species of Special Concern

CA Special Concern

Northern fence lizardSceloporus graciosus

California Species of Special Concern

CA Special Concern

Wildlife Supported