How much sun does Fragile Rockbrake need?

Fragile Rockbrake grows best in part shade conditions.

Where is Fragile Rockbrake native?

Fragile Rockbrake (Cryptogramma stelleri) is native to CO, CT, IA, IL and 17 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Fragile Rockbrake HOA-friendly?

Fragile Rockbrake takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Fragile Rockbrake

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cryptogramma stelleri

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Fragile Rockbrake (Cryptogramma stelleri) 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

4"–12" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

CO, CT, IA, IL and 17 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 445 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

Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Fragile rockbrake is a delicate native fern that forms small clumps in shaded areas. This compact fern has fine-textured fronds that die back in winter and emerge fresh each spring.

In an HOA neighborhood

Fragile Rockbrake takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Very small size may appear sparse in formal landscapes
Completely disappears in winter leaving bare soil
Delicate appearance may look unintentional or weedy

Wildlife value

As a fern, this plant does not support pollinators but provides shelter for small wildlife and adds to native plant diversity in shaded garden areas.

Common questions

How much sun does Fragile Rockbrake need?: Fragile Rockbrake grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Fragile Rockbrake native?: Fragile Rockbrake (Cryptogramma stelleri) is native to CO, CT, IA, IL and 17 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Fragile Rockbrake HOA-friendly?: Fragile Rockbrake takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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 Fragile Rockbrake? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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