SafePlants

Woolly Lip Fern (Cheilanthes tomentosa)

The Woolly Lip Fern, scientifically known as Cheilanthes tomentosa, is an intriguing fern prized for its unique appearance and adaptability.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is often grown in rock gardens, potentially making it accessible to pets that spend time outdoors.
• The foliage has a "woolly" or "fuzzy" texture due to dense pubescence (downy hair), which might be tempting for pets to chew or rub against.

Considerations for Children

• The plant is often grown in rock gardens, potentially making it accessible to children that spend time outdoors.
• The foliage has a "woolly" or "fuzzy" texture due to dense pubescence (downy hair), which might be tempting for children to touch or pick.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Cheilanthes tomentosa Link
• Common Names: Woolly Lip Fern, Woolly Lipfern, Hairy Lip Fern
• Family: Pteridaceae (Maidenhair Ferns), sometimes classified under Sinopteridaceae.
• Genus: Cheilanthes Sw. (lip ferns, lipfern)
• Synonyms: The text mentions it is also known as Myriopteris tomentosa

Distribution and Habitat

• This fern thrives in dryland or xeric habitats, often found on rock outcrops.
• It is native to North America, ranging from Mexico through much of the southern United States, including Texas.
• Specifically, the plant is mentioned as being found in the Mountain and Piedmont regions of North Carolina, and the Borrego Desert.
• Historical records indicate it was once found in New York (Iona Island in the Hudson River) but hasn't been seen there since 1954.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• The Woolly Lip Fern is an evergreen fern, typically reaching a height of around 45cm.
• Its foliage is silvery or grey-green and described as having a "woolly" texture due to downy pubescence on the leaves.
• The fronds are tripinnate and the leaflets can be thinly covered with short white downy hair on top and densely white underneath.
• New, unfurling fronds often appear whitish-silver.
• It exhibits a neat, clumping habit.
• The sori (spore-producing structures) are elongate and hidden under the inrolled margins of the blade segments.

Ecological Role

• This fern is well-adapted to dry conditions and prefers well-drained soil.
• It can survive dry periods once established.
• It is often found in rock gardens and rock crevices, indicating its preference for rocky environments.

Cultivation

• The Woolly Lip Fern prefers full sun to light, open shade.
• It requires very well-drained soil and is suitable for rock gardens.
• Plant in a humus/sand medium.
• It is suited for zones 6 to 9.
• Keep on the dry side over winter.

Quirky Facts

• The plant was last seen in New York on Iona Island in the Hudson River in 1954

Further Resources

• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
• Dave's Garden (for gardening tips and ideas)
• Plant Delights Nursery (for purchasing plants)
• Randolph College Department of Biology Natural History Collections on eHive
• Discover Life
• Alamy (for stock photos)