Plant
Goldenback Fern
Pentagramma triangularisAlso known as Gold Fern, Goldback Fern, California Gold Fern
Goldenback ferns line shaded rock outcrops and oak woodland floors across western North America, easily identified by dark green, triangular fronds mounted on glossy reddish-black stems. Underneath, a powdering of vivid yellow farina coats the spore-bearing surface to slow water loss through transpiration. During dry summer months, the fronds curl into tight, brittle balls, reviving and unfurling as fresh green fronds following autumn rains.
Native PlantFernDrought Tolerant
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyAutotrophic
Predators
- Slugs
- Snails
- Herbivorous insects
ThreatsUrban development, trail erosion, invasive plant competition
HabitatsOak woodlands, chaparral, shady canyon walls, rocky slopes
Life spanPerennial (many years)
Classification
- FamilyPteridaceae
- SpeciesPentagramma triangularis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Examining undersides: Carefully tilt a frond to view the vivid yellow farina without rubbing off the delicate protective powder.
- Observing dry phase: Look for curled, brownish fronds on dry summer banks that unfurl again after autumn rains.
Habitat Companion (c) Franco Folini, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Co-occurring Fern (c) Ed Alverson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ed Alverson · cc-by
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