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.

American Parsley Fern

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cryptogramma acrostichoides

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

American Parsley Fern (Cryptogramma acrostichoides) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies High Plains Northwestern Great Plains

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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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