Button fern

Pellaea rotundifolia | Also known as: Roundleaf Fern | Rating: 3 votes | Print / Pdf

A small, clump-forming evergreen perennial fern, pellaea rotundifolia actually looks nothing like the traditional fern – not least due to the very feature that has earned it its common name, the button fern. Its foliage comprises pairs of small, round, glossy and slightly hairy, dark green leaves, growing along thin, light brown, woody stems. A popular option for potted indoor plants, the button fern makes for an excellent rockery or woodland plant. It thrives in moist but well-drained slightly acidic soil, preferably in partial shade to protect it from hot sunlight. Tender to frost, plant in a sheltered area and mulch in winter, or simply grow under glass.

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Plant
Known dangers?
  • no
Height [m]
  • 0.3
Spread [m]
  • 0.4
Dominant flower colour
  • Inconspicuous or absent
Flower Fragrance
  • No, neutral please
Foliage in spring
  • Green
Foliage in summer
  • Green
Foliage in Autumn
  • Green
Foliage in winter
  • Green
Awards?
  • Yes, let it smell
Propagation methods
  • Spores
Growth habit
  • Clump-forming
Environment
Acidity
  • Acidic
  • Neutral
Hardiness zone
  • Z8-10
Heat zone
  • H10-8
Winter temperatures [°C]
  • -12 - 4
Heat days
  • 90 - 180
Moisture
  • well-drained but frequently watered
Soil type
  • sandy
  • Clay
  • loams
Sun requirements
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
  • Full shade
Exposure
  • Sheltered
Usage
Standard category
  • Grasses, ferns & bamboo
  • Ferns
Grown for
  • Ornamental Foliage
Creative category
  • Kid Approved
  • For Beginners
  • We love the dark
  • For every season
  • Author's choice
Garden type
  • Indoor or winter garden
  • Rock garden
  • Containers
Garden spaces
  • Shade
Gardening expertise
  • beginner
Time to reach full size
  • up to 10 years
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