Does purple cliffbrake produce flowers?

No. Purple cliffbrake is a fern, so it reproduces by spores released from its fronds rather than by flowering, and it does not have a bloom season.

What kind of site does purple cliffbrake need?

It grows best tucked into rocky crevices and ledges, especially on limestone, with sharp drainage and part shade rather than deep shade or full sun exposure.

Is purple cliffbrake evergreen?

Yes. Its leathery, blue-green fronds and dark stipes typically persist through winter, which is why it is sometimes called a wintergreen fern.

How much water does purple cliffbrake need?

Very little once established. It is adapted to dry, rocky sites and can suffer from root rot if kept consistently wet or planted in poorly drained soil.

Is Purple Cliffbrake HOA-friendly?

Purple Cliffbrake is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Purple Cliffbrake

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Pellaea atropurpurea

Last reviewed: August 2026

Purple cliffbrake is a small evergreen fern with wiry, dark purple-black stems that tucks into limestone rock crevices and ledges, thriving in part shade with low water once established.

Toxicity unknown

Purple Cliffbrake (Pellaea atropurpurea) 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

6"–24" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 42 more states

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 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

Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau East Central Texas Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Northwestern Glaciated Plains Piedmont Western Corn Belt Plains Driftless Area Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Purple-stem cliffbrake is a compact native fern with blue-green fronds and distinctive purple-black stems. This drought-tolerant fern thrives in rocky, well-draining soils and maintains its attractive foliage year-round.

Growing Purple Cliffbrake

Grow Purple Cliffbrake in part shade and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

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

Wildlife value

As a fern, it does not attract pollinators but provides shelter and nesting material for small wildlife and birds.

Common questions

Does purple cliffbrake produce flowers?: No. Purple cliffbrake is a fern, so it reproduces by spores released from its fronds rather than by flowering, and it does not have a bloom season.
What kind of site does purple cliffbrake need?: It grows best tucked into rocky crevices and ledges, especially on limestone, with sharp drainage and part shade rather than deep shade or full sun exposure.
Is purple cliffbrake evergreen?: Yes. Its leathery, blue-green fronds and dark stipes typically persist through winter, which is why it is sometimes called a wintergreen fern.
How much water does purple cliffbrake need?: Very little once established. It is adapted to dry, rocky sites and can suffer from root rot if kept consistently wet or planted in poorly drained soil.
Is Purple Cliffbrake HOA-friendly?: Purple Cliffbrake is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

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

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