Pellaea atropurpurea

"That's a fern?", visitors ask in disbelief. Not only is it a fern, but it grows in full sun and is native to all but 8 states of the continental United States! This quirky little fern prefers rocky alkaline soils, where it is tolerant of everything except being too wet and too crowded...in short...it's socially inept. The black-green upright leaves form a delightful small 10" tall clump (rarely taller)...perfect for the rock garden. This is not a fern for beginners who think you can just stick everything in the midst of a bed of petunias.