Goldback Fern (Pentagramma triangularis) Login         


        Description
  • Height to 1 ft.
  • This small fern is in the shape of a broad triangle (hence triangularis).
  • Turn it over and you'll often find a powdery gold covering.
  • Goldback Fern grows in little groups in shady areas.
  • CA native
  • AKA Gold Back Fern, Goldenback Fern
  • Brake Fern Family (Pteridaceae)



The broad triangle shape is rounded with two smaller segments that point down.



The back of the fern is quite pale, often covered with a gold dusty substance that inhibits moisture loss.



Each frond grows on a dark-brown shiny stalk, generally 8 - 12 inches long.

   Photo Gallery (76 ) click any picture to enlarge
    

Gold Back Fern has a dark, wiry stem that is bare near the ground. Its [[segments]] form a triangle shape, widest at the bottom and narrow at the ...

The underside of leaflets are covered with a gold dusty substance that inhibits moisture loss.

When conditions dry out the leaflets curl up but don't fall off. They'll unfurl when it rains again.

Pentagramma triangularis, the scientific name, refers to two geometric shapes. The overall shape of fern frond is a triangle, although the bottom h ...