The Story
Plant Bio
Astrolepis windhamii is a small, tufted rock fern with star-shaped scales on its fronds, adapted to dry, rocky, alkaline environments.
This fern is highly drought-tolerant and ideal for rock gardens or crevice plantings in arid climates. Its silvery-green appearance is due to a covering of distinctive star-shaped scales.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fern
Height
4 inches
Width
8 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
7, 8, 9, 10
Water
Low
Humidity
Prefers dry conditions
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Southwestern U.S. and Mexico
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Bloom period
Late fall
In flower about 1 month of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a shaded spot with moist, well-drained soil.
- Tuck fern spores or divisions into soil, keeping roots moist, for 4-6 weeks.
- Mist regularly to maintain humidity and encourage growth.
- Transplant when roots are established, typically after 6 weeks.
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Water consistently, especially during dry spells.
Pro Tip
Keep soil consistently moist and provide indirect light for best growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Maintain evenly moist soil 🌱
- Provide indirect shade
- Mulch to retain moisture
- Fertilize lightly in spring
Don't
- Avoid direct sunlight ❌
- Do not let soil dry out completely
- Avoid heavy, compacted soil
- Do not over-fertilize
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Windham's Star-scaled Cloak Fern questions
What zones can Windham's Star-scaled Cloak Fern grow in?
Windham's Star-scaled Cloak Fern is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Windham's Star-scaled Cloak Fern deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Windham's Star-scaled Cloak Fern, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Windham's Star-scaled Cloak Fern bloom?
Windham's Star-scaled Cloak Fern typically blooms in late fall through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Windham's Star-scaled Cloak Fern need full sun?
Windham's Star-scaled Cloak Fern does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Windham's Star-scaled Cloak Fern drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Windham's Star-scaled Cloak Fern handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Astrolepis to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Windham's Star-scaled Cloak Fern with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.