American Parsley Fern
Cryptogramma acrostichoides
Last reviewed: August 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
6"–12" H × 4"–8" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, ID and 13 more states
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
American parsley fern is a small, delicate native fern with finely divided fronds that resemble parsley leaves. It forms neat, compact clumps that work well as groundcover in shaded areas with good drainage.
In an HOA neighborhood
American Parsley Fern is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.
- Dies back completely in winter
- May appear sparse in deep shade
Wildlife value
While ferns don't produce flowers for pollinators, this species provides shelter and nesting material for small wildlife and beneficial insects.
Common questions
- How much sun does American Parsley Fern need?
- American Parsley Fern grows best in part shade conditions.
- Where is American Parsley Fern native?
- American Parsley Fern (Cryptogramma acrostichoides) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 13 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is American Parsley Fern HOA-friendly?
- American Parsley Fern is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow American Parsley Fern? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz