How much sun does Skeleton fork fern need?

Skeleton fork fern grows best in part shade conditions.

Where is Skeleton fork fern native?

Skeleton fork fern (Psilotum nudum) is native to AL, AR, AZ, FL and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Skeleton fork fern

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Psilotum nudum

Last reviewed: October 2026

Skeleton fork fern (Psilotum nudum) is a perennial fern native to AL, AR, AZ, FL and 6 more states.

Toxicity unknown

Skeleton fork fern (Psilotum nudum) 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

4"–16" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, FL and 6 more states

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 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

Southeastern Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain

A primitive fern relative with no true leaves or roots, just repeatedly forking green stems bearing tiny yellow spore cases. Grows as an epiphyte or on rocky, shaded ground and reproduces by spores rather than flowers, giving it an unusual, wiry, novelty appearance.

Growing Skeleton fork fern

Grow Skeleton fork fern in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 4 to 16 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Provides minor structural habitat for small invertebrates in shaded rock and tree-bark niches.

Common questions

How much sun does Skeleton fork fern need?: Skeleton fork fern grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Skeleton fork fern native?: Skeleton fork fern (Psilotum nudum) is native to AL, AR, AZ, FL and 6 more states, 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.

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