How much sun does Bird's foot fern need?

Bird's foot fern grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Bird's foot fern bloom?

Bird's foot fern blooms in April, May, June, and July.

Where is Bird's foot fern native?

Bird's foot fern (Pellaea mucronata) is native to AZ, CA, NV, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Bird's foot fern attract?

Bird's foot fern draws wind (spore dispersal).

Bird's foot fern

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Pellaea mucronata

Last reviewed: October 2026

Bird's foot fern (Pellaea mucronata) is a perennial fern native to AZ, CA, NV, OR. It blooms in April, May, June, and July. The flowers draw wind (spore dispersal).

Toxicity unknown

Bird's foot fern (Pellaea mucronata) 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

low

Size

8"–16" H × 8"–12" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, NV, OR

Pollinators

wind (spore dispersal)

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A tough, drought-tolerant evergreen fern of rocky slopes with wiry, dark stems and stiff, leathery blue-green fronds. It stays compact and neat, tucking into crevices between rocks.

Growing Bird's foot fern

Grow Bird's foot fern in part shade and low water. Mature plants reach 8 to 16 inches tall and spread 8 to 12 inches wide.

Wildlife value

As a fern it reproduces by spores rather than flowers, but the evergreen fronds provide year-round cover for small insects and lizards.

Common questions

How much sun does Bird's foot fern need?: Bird's foot fern grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Bird's foot fern bloom?: Bird's foot fern blooms in April, May, June, and July.
Where is Bird's foot fern native?: Bird's foot fern (Pellaea mucronata) is native to AZ, CA, NV, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Bird's foot fern attract?: Bird's foot fern draws wind (spore dispersal).

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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