Coffee Fern
Pellaea andromedifolia
Care
part shade
low
well-drained, rocky; surprisingly drought tolerant for a fern
0–2ft tall , 0–1ft wide
Evergreen
Resistant
Friendly
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.
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
Coastal horned lizard, population declining
California Species of Special Concern
California Species of Special Concern
Wildlife Supported
Reptiles
Active season use of rocky fern habitat for cover; critical shelter April-October
Uses fern fronds and rocky substrate for cover and thermoregulation year-round in California foothills
Inhabits rocky areas where coffee fern grows; uses dense fronds for cover and predator avoidance
Active forager in rocky fern habitats; uses dense cover for escape routes
Birds
Uses dense fern fronds and rocky terrain for nesting cover and escape habitat
Nests and forages in rocky scrubland with fern cover; year-round resident in California foothills
Insects
Fungal rust pathogen; persistent on evergreen fronds throughout year
Fern species co-occurring in rocky habitat; potential microhabitat associate