Fauna
Plant

Rock Polypody

Polypodium virginianum

Also 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
Rock Polypody reference1 / 7
(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 →
Key facts
Diet & preyPhotosynthesis; 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
Classification
  1. FamilyPolypodiaceae
  2. SpeciesPolypodium virginianum
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. 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.
Related species

Related species have not been added yet.

Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…