SafePlants

Bommeria: The Rock Fern

Bommeria is a genus of small rock ferns belonging to the family Pteridaceae, native to the New World.

Considerations for Pets

• Bommeria hispida is sometimes referred to as "hairy Bommeria" due to the hairs on its leaves.

Scientific Classification

• Genus: Bommeria
• Family: Pteridaceae (Maidenhair Fern family)
• Class: Polypodiopsida (leptosporangiate ferns)
• Major Group: Pteridophytes (Ferns and fern allies)

Synonyms and Common Names

• Synonyms: Bommeria E. Fn.
• Common Names: Bommeria Fern, Copper Fern (specifically for Bommeria hispida)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the Americas, specifically the New World.
• Species occur from the southwestern United States throughout much of Mexico.
• Bommeria hispida is the only species found north of Mexico.
• Can be found on south slopes of the Pinaleno Mountains of SE Arizona.
• Characterized as mat-forming desert fern.

Morphological Characteristics

• Small, pteridaceous rock ferns.
• Bommeria hispida is a somewhat leafy-appearing, hairy, low, creeping fern.
• Younger fronds of Bommeria hispida are dark green, turning copper and red as they age.
• Characterized by pedate, pentagonal laminae.
• Can grow to 4-5 inches in height but spread indefinitely.

Quirky Facts

• The name hispida (as in Bommeria hispida) comes from Latin, meaning "hairy, bristly, or rough," referring to the hairs on the leaves.

Ecological Interactions

• Genetic analysis suggests it's a stem offshoot clade of all the cheilanthoid ferns.
• Species contains a variety of flavonol and flavone glycosides.
• Spores are quite different from those of Hemionitis.

Further Resources

• Discover Life provides a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Bommeria hispida.
• Dave's Garden offers tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.