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Golden Polypody

Phlebodium aureum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Golden Polypody (Phlebodium aureum) is a perennial fern native to AL, FL, GA. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.

Golden Polypody (Phlebodium aureum)
Photo: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, FL, GA

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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Golden polypody is an attractive evergreen fern with distinctive blue-green fronds that have a golden underside. It forms neat, compact clumps that work well in shaded areas where other plants struggle. This low-maintenance fern adds year-round texture and color to the landscape.

Growing Golden Polypody

Grow Golden Polypody in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 36 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Golden Polypody is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.

Wildlife value

As a fern, this plant does not attract pollinators but provides shelter and habitat for small wildlife. The dense fronds offer protection for beneficial insects and small creatures in shaded garden areas.

Common questions

How much sun does Golden Polypody need?
Golden Polypody grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Golden Polypody native?
Golden Polypody (Phlebodium aureum) is native to AL, FL, GA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Golden Polypody HOA-friendly?
Golden Polypody is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

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.

Ready to grow Golden Polypody? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz