Coffee Fern
Pellaea Andromedifolia
Overview
The Coffee Fern, Pellaea andromedifolia, is an evergreen native to California that thrives in dry, rocky conditions. This fern typically grows to 1-2 feet tall and wide, with fronds that can reach 18 inches long. Its distinctive, dark green, coffee-colored leaves contrast beautifully with lighter foliage, making it an excellent choice for adding texture to shaded areas. Hardy in USDA zones 8-10, it requires minimal water once established.
Sun Deep Shade, ShadeWater LowZones 5–9Type Fern
Culture
- Sun
- Deep Shade, Shade
- Water
- Low
- USDA zones
- 5–9
Shape & size
- Mature width
- 1–2 Ft.
Classification
- Type
- Fern
- Family
- Pteridaceae
See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.
Start your 14-day trialPhotos (35)
























Photographs by 6 contributors
- Yercaud-elango, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- David Eickhoff from Hawaiʻi, USA, CC BY 2.0 · source
- Sandy Rae, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
- John Rusk from Berkeley, CC BY 2.0 · source
- Jason Hollinger, CC BY 2.0 · source
- Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Related plants

Fern
Bird's Foot Fern
Pellaea Mucronata
Deep ShadeUSDA 5–9

Fern
Button Fern
Pellaea Rotundifolia
Deep ShadeUSDA 9–11

Fern
Coville's Lip Fern
Myriopteris Covillei
HalfUSDA 8–8

Fern
Goldback Fern
Pentagramma Triangularis
HalfUSDA 6–10

Fern
Alaska Fern
Polystichum Setiferum
Deep ShadeUSDA 6–8

Fern
Alpine Water Fern
Blechnum Penna-Marina
Deep ShadeUSDA 7–10