How much sun does Leathery polypody need?

Leathery polypody grows best in part shade conditions.

Where is Leathery polypody native?

Leathery polypody (Polypodium scouleri) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Leathery polypody

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Polypodium scouleri

Last reviewed: November 2026

Leathery polypody (Polypodium scouleri) is a perennial fern native to CA, OR, WA.

Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Leathery polypody, free in the app.

Toxicity unknown

Leathery polypody (Polypodium scouleri) 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

8"–20" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

CA, OR, WA

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A leathery-fronded fern that forms tidy clumps on rocky bluffs and tree branches near the coast, often growing as an epiphyte. Thick, glossy fronds tolerate salt spray and periods of drought better than most ferns.

Growing Leathery polypody

Grow Leathery polypody in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 8 to 20 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.

Wildlife value

As a non-flowering plant it offers no nectar, but its dense evergreen fronds provide shelter and moisture retention for small invertebrates.

Common questions

How much sun does Leathery polypody need?: Leathery polypody grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Leathery polypody native?: Leathery polypody (Polypodium scouleri) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Leathery polypody? Add it to your garden in the Pollinator Patch App to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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