Polypodium virginianum

The common rockcap fern is a naturally occurring, fertile, allotetrapoid hybrid of P. appalachianum and P. sibiricumnative. The scientific name of the genus is derived from the Greek and means many feet and refers to its association with rocky surfaces and branching rhizomes. The species epithet refers to the state of Virginia. This plant looks very similar to Polypodium appalachianum, making it difficult to distinguish the two plants. One key difference, however, is that this plant's leaf blades are widest near the middle. It's native habitat ranges from Greenland through eastern North America. In the north, it extends to Alaska.

Once established, this fern grows well in a variety of conditions making it a low maintenance plant that likes moist well-drained soils but can tolerate drought.  This plant was well-known to native Americans, who harvested it to treat gastrointestinal and upper respiratory ailments.

Nectaries are present at the base of the frond's blade. The sori are orange to brown and lack an indusium.

The fronds are evergreen, making this fern of winter interest. It grows naturally on rock walls and tree roots that are covered with moss. Because of its adaptability it can be used to line borders or in native, woodland or rocky gardens.

Quick ID hints

• evergreen fern
• grows in clumps over rocky surfaces via creeping and branching rhizomes
• petioles
  • have scales near the ground and become smooth towards the blade
  • 1/4 - 1/2 the length of the blade
• fronds
  • erect to arching
  • lance-shaped to triangular
  • dimorphic, sterile and fertile fronds have a similar appearance
• pinnae
  • deeply-cut pinnatifid
  • oblong
  • alternating
  • leathery
  • shorter at the base and the tip of the frond
• sori
  • orange to brown
  • large, circular
  • lack an indusium 
  • arranged in rows along each side of the central vein
  • intermixed with long brown hairs

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No significant diseases or pests. Watch for Florida Fern Caterpillar.

VIDEO Created by NC State Extension's Homegrown series featuring Mark Weathington, Director of JC Raulston Arboretum.