How to Grow and Care for Parsley fern

Parsley fern was given its name due to its superficial resemblance to parsley. Parsley fern is an extremely hardy species that colonizes barren areas like cliffs, scree slopes, and stone walls. For this reason, it is a popular ornamental choice in rock and cottage gardens and is often used for underplanting.

Another name for Cryptogramma acrostichoides is American parsley fern. It’s indigenous to virtually all western North America. It loves to grow in between cracks in rocks—hence the name. Its tiny size differentiates it from most other ferns.

Fragile rockbrake is a perennial fern that grows in high-altitude, well-watered rock crevices, with a preference for limestone. The stems and petioles of fragile rockbrake are easily damaged, which along with its growth habitat gives it its name.

Sitka rockbrake is a resilient fern found in moist, rocky areas, often thriving on limestone outcrops. It has delicate, feathery fronds that emerge from a central rootstock, contrasting with the harsh habitats it frequently colonizes. The plant's two frond types, one for photosynthesis and another for reproduction, reflect an adaptation to maximize resources in challenging environments.

Cascade rockbrake is a delicate fern that thrives in moist, shaded environments, often found clinging to rocky crevices where it forms tufted clusters. This species is characterized by its bipinnate fronds, which are distinctive for their ability to capture and channel dew and mist, aiding in its hydration. Its fronds are also known for a notable variation with fertile fronds being narrower and more upright compared to the broader, flatter sterile fronds. The contrasting frond types contribute to cascade rockbrake's unique appearance and survival strategy.