Alphabetical Plant Listing

Polypodium scouleri (Leathery Polypody)

Leathery Polypody, Rock Polypody


Polypodium scouleri (Leathery Polypody) is a spreading, evergreen fern with bold, broadly ovate to triangular, leathery, glossy, dark green fronds, up to 12 in. long (30 cm). The spores line the backs of the fronds in rows of rusty orange clumps (sori). Remaining lush and fresh-looking throughout the season, Leathery Polypody spreads by branching rhizomes and colonizes at will on trees or rock formations - without being invasive. Native from British Columbia to California, Leathery Polypody tends to grow in fog drip or salt-spray zones, at elevations from sea level to 2,000 feet. Gracing cottage gardens, coastal gardens, or woodland gardens, Leathery Polypody provides four seasons of interest and is also effective as a companion to other shade-loving ferns, perennials, and wildflowers. Its long-lasting fronds are commonly used in flower arrangements.

  • Grows up to 6-12 in. tall (15-30 cm) and 12-36 in. wide (30-90 cm). Under the right conditions, Leathery Polypody will spread, gently expanding its presence in the garden.
  • Performs best in part shade to full shade in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soils. Thrives in salt spray. Shelter from cold, drying winds. Protect with a dry winter mulch or lift and overwinter in a cool greenhouse.
  • This plant is a great choice for shady beds and borders, underplanting of roses and shrubs, cottage gardens, city gardens, or woodland gardens.
  • Virtually pest and disease free. Deer resistant.
  • Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary.
  • Propagate by division or by spores.
  • Native to Western North America.

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Requirements

Hardiness 8 – 10
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 16, 17, 24
Plant Type Ferns
Plant Family Polypodium - Ferns
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm)
Spread 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Spacing 12" – 36" (30cm – 90cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Oregon, Washington
Tolerance Deer, Salt
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Bog Gardens, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage

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Gertjan van Noord, John Game, Flickr

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 8 – 10
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 16, 17, 24
Plant Type Ferns
Plant Family Polypodium - Ferns
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm)
Spread 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Spacing 12" – 36" (30cm – 90cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Oregon, Washington
Tolerance Deer, Salt
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Bog Gardens, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage

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