Resurrection Fern

National Wildlife Federation Resurrection Fern Resurrection Fern Resurrection Fern Pleopeltis polypodioides Status: Not Listed Classification: Plant Description This remarkable plant can lose about 75 percent of its water content during a typical dry period and possibly up to 97 percent in an extreme drought. During this time, it shrivels up to a grayish brown clump of leaves. When it is exposed to water again, it will “come back to life” and look green and healthy. The plant gets its name from this supposed “resurrection,” but it never actually dies during the process. By contrast, most other plants can lose only 10 percent of their water content before they die. Fronds are typically 4 to 12 inches (10 to 30 centimeters) in length. Range This fern is found throughout the Southeast, as far north as New York and as far west as Texas. Due to its ability to withstand drought, it can be found in a variety of habitats, but it needs a host plant or other substrate on which to anchor itself. Resurrection ferns often favor oak trees. Life History The resurrection fern is a type of epiphytic fern, which means it grows on top of other plants or structures and reproduces by spores, not seeds. The spores are housed in structures called sori on the underside of fronds. Although resurrection ferns grow on top of other plants, they do not steal nutrients or water from their host plant. Conservation The resurrection fern population is stable. Fun Fact In 1997, the resurrection fern was taken into space aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery to watch its resurrection in zero gravity. Sources NatureServe Explorer United States Department of Agriculture Plants Database University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences University of Illinois Plant Palette Get Involved Donate Today Sign a Petition Donate Monthly Blue Heron Sign Up for Updates Enter your email What's Trending Tree burning in fire UNNATURAL DISASTERS A new storymap connects the dots between extreme weather and climate change and illustrates the harm these disasters inflict on communities and wildlife. Learn More Clean Earth Challenge Come Clean for Earth Take the Clean Earth Challenge and help make the planet a happier, healthier place. Learn More Monarch butterfly on aster Native Plant Finder Get a list of highly impactful plants that are native to your area based on your zip code! Check It Out Where We Work More than one-third of U.S. fish and wildlife species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades. We're on the ground in seven regions across the country, collaborating with 52 state and territory affiliates to reverse the crisis and ensure wildlife thrive. Learn MoreRegional Centers and Affiliates ABOUT US CONTACT US MAGAZINES BLOG ACTION FUND CAREERS National Wildlife Federation PO Box 1583, Merrifield, VA 22116-1583 800.822.9919 Ranger Rick Join Ranger Rick Inspire a lifelong connection with wildlife and wild places through our children's publications, products, and activities Learn More Terms of Use Privacy Policy Charitable Disclosures Site Map Financials Community Commitment Follow Us CharityLogo National Wildlife Federation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization