Quercus

Appalachian Rockcap Fern

Polypodium appalachianum

Native to Kentucky (estimated)

Ecological relationships

Who uses this plant?

3CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including KY

Genus host records with ranges including KY · Polypodium

  • Callopistria floridensisFlorida Fern Caterpillar
  • Melanchra pictaPainted Arches, Zebra Caterpillar Moth
  • Spodoptera latifasciaOrange-Striped Armyworm, Velvet Armyworm Moth
Shropshire & Tallamy 2025, Lepidoptera of North America north of Mexico, ZooKeys 1261 (ODbL)
0BeesSoutheastern regional records
0Specialist beesPollen specialists
—BirdsRecorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim

No records yet · Ants · Beetles · Flies · Adult butterflies / moths · Other wasps · Other insects

Growing and identification

Plant details

Family
Polypodiaceae
Hardiness
Zones 3a–8b
Soil pH
Acidic
Flower color
Not applicable

Safety has not been reviewed for this plant; check toxicity and thorns before planting.

Growing sources and scope
Also known as

Appalachian Polypody; Appalachian Rock Cap Fern

Conservation status

Kentucky rankS5
Global rankG4G5
KY statusNot verified
Federal statusNot verified

Conservation source Global and federal source

In your garden

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Sources