Plant · GBIF taxon 5274950
rock polypody
Polypodium virginianumAlso known as Rock Cap Fern
Rock polypody is a small evergreen fern with once-divided leathery fronds arising from a creeping rhizome. It forms compact colonies on shaded boulders, cliffs, and rocky ledges.
Rock FernEvergreen FrondsCreeping Rhizome
Licensed reference(c) Mary Krieger, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Photosynthesis; rhizomes and roots absorb water and mineral nutrients
Predators
- Slugs
- Snails
- Browsing mammals
ThreatsQuarrying, rock climbing, drying microclimates, and collection
HabitatsShaded cliffs, mossy boulders, rocky woodland, and cool ledges
Life spanPerennial colonies can persist for many years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPolypodiaceae
- SpeciesPolypodium virginianum
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Leave fronds and rhizomes attached to their slow-forming rock colonies.
Responsible observation
- Fronds: Look for narrow lobes arranged along one central blade.
- Rock: Observe without stepping onto mossy colonies or ledges.
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.