Cheilanthes distans

Bristly Cloak Fern

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Item #: 9545

Zones: 7b to 10b

Dormancy: Evergreen

Height: 6" tall

Culture: Sun to Part Sun

Origin: Australia, New Zealand

Pot Size: 3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L)


We have been very pleased with the ease of growing the xeric (likes it dry) fern, Cheilanthes distans, which hails from rocky outcrops in New Zealand and Australia. Cheilanthes distans is a charming dwarf dryland fern that forms a tight 6" tall, dense clump of stiff black stipes, each adorned with stiff, green, crinkly foliage. Cheilanthes distans is an easy-to-grow specimen for rock gardens and miniature railroads from zone 7b south, and in the North it is a great container specimen. The key for success with Cheilanthes distans is a dry spot in the winter months.