How much sun does Goldback fern need?

Goldback fern grows best in part shade conditions.

Where is Goldback fern native?

Goldback fern (Pentagramma triangularis) is native to CA, ID, OR, WA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Goldback fern

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Pentagramma triangularis

Last reviewed: November 2026

Goldback fern (Pentagramma triangularis) is a perennial fern native to CA, ID, OR, WA.

Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Goldback fern, free in the app.

Toxicity unknown

Goldback fern (Pentagramma triangularis) 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"–10" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

CA, ID, OR, WA

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 461 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 Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Goldback fern is a small evergreen fern with triangular fronds that have a golden, powdery coating on the underside. It grows tucked into rock crevices and shaded slopes, curling up during dry periods and reviving with moisture.

Growing Goldback fern

Grow Goldback fern in part shade and low water. Mature plants reach 4 to 10 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide.

Wildlife value

As a spore-producing fern it has no flowers to offer pollinators, but its dense low growth provides shelter for small insects and shade-loving wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Goldback fern need?: Goldback fern grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Goldback fern native?: Goldback fern (Pentagramma triangularis) is native to CA, ID, OR, WA, 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.

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