Cheilanthes lanosa

Hairy Lip Fern
Cheilanthes lanosa
Type: Fern (Evergreen here in USDA Zone 8)
Exposure: Sun / Part Shade
Water: Regular to Drought Tolerant

Unlike most other ferns, Lip Ferns make themselves at home in warm, dry, rocky areas, often growing from niches in cliffsides in their native Southeast USA. Growing slowly to 1ft (30cm) high and wide this tough little fern produces a deceptively lacy mound of green, finely-cut fronds, often with a bit of tonal variation. The “hairy” part of the name comes from the tiny, rusty brown hairs that cover the fronds on this particular cultivar. It makes a great addition to alpine, rock, or gravel gardens, where ferns are less commonplace. Make sure this guy has well-drained soil; he dislikes wet feet.

Cheers,

John