How much sun does Resurrection Fern need?

Resurrection Fern grows best in part shade conditions.

Where is Resurrection Fern native?

Resurrection Fern (Pleopeltis polypodioides) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 17 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Resurrection Fern HOA-friendly?

Resurrection Fern takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Resurrection Fern

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Pleopeltis polypodioides

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Resurrection Fern (Pleopeltis polypodioides) 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

6"–12" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, AR, DE, FL and 17 more states

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 445 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

East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Piedmont Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain

Resurrection fern is a small epiphytic fern that naturally grows on tree bark and rocks. It gets its name from its ability to curl up and appear dead during dry periods, then quickly green up after rain.

In an HOA neighborhood

Resurrection Fern takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Appears dead and brown during dry periods
Unconventional appearance may confuse neighbors
Very small size can look sparse in formal settings

Wildlife value

Provides shelter and nesting material for small birds and insects. Creates habitat in tree canopies and rock gardens for various small wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Resurrection Fern need?: Resurrection Fern grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Resurrection Fern native?: Resurrection Fern (Pleopeltis polypodioides) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 17 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Resurrection Fern HOA-friendly?: Resurrection Fern takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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 Resurrection Fern? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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