Some of the ferns of Pinnacles thrive in riparian areas where water is available for most of the year. Other species, such as the bird's-foot fern, can be found in areas that are quite dry.

An Illustrated Checklist of Ferns at Pinnacles

AZOLLACEAE - Mosquito Fern family

Azolla filiculoides
Mosquito Fern
Riparian

BLECHNACEAE- deer fern family

Woodwardia fimbriata
Western Chain Fern
Riparian

DENNSTAEDTIACEAE- bracken family

Pteridium aquilinum var. pubescens
Bracken Fern
Riparian

DRYOPTERIDACEAE- wood fern family

Cystopteris fragilis
Fragile Fern
Riparian

Dryopteris arguta
Coastal Wood Fern
Riparian

Polystichum munitum
Western Sword Fern
Riparian

POLYPODIACEAE- polypody family

Polypodium californicum
California Polypody
Riparian

Polypodium calirhiza
Riparian

PTERIDACEAE- brake family

Adiantum jordanii
California Maiden-hair Fern
Riparian

Aspidotis californica
California Lace-fern
Riparian

Cheilantes covillei
Lip-fern
Chaparral

Cheilanthes intertexta
Coastal Lip-fern
Chaparral

Pellaea andromedifolia
Coffee Fern
Chaparral

Pellaea mucronata var. m.
Bird's-foot Fern
Chaparral

Pentagramma pallida
Silverback Fern
Chaparral

Pentagramma triangularis ssp. t.
Goldback Fern
Riparian