Woodsia obtusa Play pronunciation

The blunt-lobbed cliff fern is in the spleenwort family (Aspleniaceae).  Native to eastern North America, this fern is found throughout the mountains and Piedmont region of North Carolina, though it is rare in the Coastal Plain. Two fertile subspecies exist: a diploid form in the western part of its range and a predominantly tetraploid form in the east. The genus Woodsia is named in honor of the botanical author Joseph Woods. The species epithet obtusa, meaning “blunt,” refers to the rounded lobes on each leaflet. The common name, blunt-lobed cliff fern, reflects both this distinctive leaf structure and the plant’s preference for rocky habitats. 

Best grown in sandy or fertile, rocky soils, this species prefers conditions that are moist to moderately dry and neutral to slightly alkaline in pH. Good drainage is essential, as it will not tolerate poorly drained soils.

This small to medium-sized fern has a delicate, feathery appearance, yet it is surprisingly tolerant of drier conditions. It naturally inhabits rocky outcrops and cliff faces, making it well-suited for similar environments in cultivation.

An excellent choice for rock gardens, stone walls, or containers, the blunt-lobed cliff fern adds fine texture and resilience to challenging planting sites.

Quick ID hints

• Mostly bipinnate pinnatifid
• Forked veins of the subleaflets do not extend to the margins
• The indusium splits and divides into 4-6 star-shaped sections

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems

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