California lace fern
Aspidotis californica
Last reviewed: September 2026
California lace fern (Aspidotis californica) is a perennial fern native to CA.
Toxicity unknown
California lace fern (Aspidotis californica) 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
4"–12" H × 8"–12" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
CA
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A small, delicate fern with finely divided, lacy blue-green fronds that die back and go dormant during the dry season. Grows in tight rock crevices and shaded outcrops, forming a neat small tuft.
Growing California lace fern
Grow California lace fern in part shade and low water. Mature plants reach 4 to 12 inches tall and spread 8 to 12 inches wide.
Wildlife value
As a fern it produces no flowers, but its evergreen-season foliage offers shelter for small invertebrates in rocky habitat.
Common questions
- How much sun does California lace fern need?
- California lace fern grows best in part shade conditions.
- Where is California lace fern native?
- California lace fern (Aspidotis californica) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
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.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow California lace fern? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.