Rock Polypody
(Polypodium virginianum)
Species Description
**Description:** A small, leathery evergreen fern that grows in dense mats directly on boulders and cliff faces.
**Size:** Fronds are 4 to 10 inches long.
**Identification:** Simple, once-divided fronds with large, circular spore cases (sori) on the underside that look like orange dots.
**Habits:** Called the "evergreen fern" because its fronds stay vibrant and green throughout the harsh Allegheny winters.
**Habitat:** Clinging to massive sandstone rocks at Rimrock and Jakes Rocks.
**Size:** Fronds are 4 to 10 inches long.
**Identification:** Simple, once-divided fronds with large, circular spore cases (sori) on the underside that look like orange dots.
**Habits:** Called the "evergreen fern" because its fronds stay vibrant and green throughout the harsh Allegheny winters.
**Habitat:** Clinging to massive sandstone rocks at Rimrock and Jakes Rocks.