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hairy lipfern

Scientific Name: Cheilanthes lanosa

Family: Pteridaceae

Category: Fern

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: CT (hairy lip-fern), IN (hairy lipfern), MN (hairy

       

Cheilanthes lanosa: Hairy Lip Fern

Cheilanthes lanosa, commonly known as Hairy Lip Fern or Woolly Lip Fern, is a small, drought-tolerant fern appreciated for its soft texture and fuzzy green leaflets.

Considerations for Pets

  • The fronds and stipes (leaf stalks) of Cheilanthes lanosa are described as "densely wooly" or "hairy," which might attract the attention of pets.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cheilanthes lanosa (Michaux) D. C. Eaton
  • Common Names: Hairy Lip Fern, Woolly Lip Fern
  • Family: Pteridaceae
  • Synonyms: Nephrodium lanosum Michaux

Distribution and Habitat

  • Hairy Lip Fern is native to south and central North America.
  • It is distributed across much of southeastern North America, barely entering New England at the northern limit of its range.
  • It is typically found in scattered rocky areas.
  • Naturally found on rock outcrops and ledges.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Cheilanthes lanosa is an evergreen fern.
  • It forms low, tufted clumps.
  • It features soft-textured, fuzzy, olive-green leaflets along a chestnut brown stipe.
  • The stipes and lower frond surfaces are densely woolly.
  • It is a relatively small fern, growing to a height of approximately 20cm.
  • It has olive to bluish hairy fronds that stand in upright clumps.

Ecological Role

  • This fern prefers well-drained, dry soils.
  • It is one of the few ferns that can tolerate full sun.

Cultivation

  • Hairy Lip Fern prefers a loose, gritty rock garden type situation.
  • It thrives in partial or full sun, an exception among shade-loving ferns.
  • It is drought-tolerant and well-suited for rock walls and shady troughs.
  • It does well in partly shady, well-drained conditions.

Additional Resources

  • Plant Delights Nursery offers Cheilanthes lanosa for sale.
  • Dave's Garden is a community where gardeners share tips and ideas.
  • The RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides help and information on Cheilanthes lanosa.
  • iNaturalist.org contains observations and classifications of Cheilanthes lanosa.