Goldback fern
Pentagramma triangularis
Last reviewed: August 2026
Light
part shade
Water
low
Size
4"–10" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CA, ID, OR, WA
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 431 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaGoldback 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.
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.
- When does Goldback fern bloom?
- Goldback fern blooms in April, May, and June.
- 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.
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