Woolly Cloak Fern

Botanical name: Cheilanthes distans
Synonyms: Notholaena distans
Common name(s): Woolly Cloak Fern, Woolly Rock Fern, Bristly Cloak Fern

About:
A distinctive drought-tolerant fern of rocky habitats, recognised by its narrow upright fronds densely covered in scales and fine hairs. Unlike many ferns, it thrives in exposed dry conditions and is particularly common in eastern New Zealand. The woolly appearance of its fronds helps protect it from moisture loss and harsh sunlight.

Natural habitat:
Dry rocky outcrops, cliffs, bluffs, rocky slopes and sparsely vegetated rock faces from coastal to montane environments.

Growing environment:
Prefers sunny, dry and free-draining conditions. Thrives in rocky soils, crevices and exposed sites where many other ferns struggle. Tolerates drought well once established.

Endemic distribution:
Native to New Zealand but not endemic. Found on the Kermadec Islands, Three Kings Islands, North Island and South Island south to Banks Peninsula. Also occurs in Australia and New Caledonia.

Height:
150–350 mm

Width:
100–300 mm

Flowering:
Does not flower (fern)

Fruiting:
Produces spores throughout the warmer months.

Uses:
• Rock gardens
• Dry fern collections
• Pot culture
• Native landscaping
• Cliff and rockery plantings
• Restoration of dry rocky habitats

Appearance:

Growth habit:
A tufted fern with short creeping rhizomes and upright narrow fronds arising in dense clusters.

Leaves:
Fronds linear to lance-shaped, up to 350 mm long, divided two to three times into small leaflets. Stipes and rachises are red-brown and densely covered with brown scales and white hairs. The undersides of the fronds are woolly with scales and hairs.

Flowers:
None.

Fruit:
Spores are produced in elongated sori along the rolled margins of the leaflets.

Ecology:
An important component of dry rocky ecosystems. The minute spores are dispersed by wind, allowing the species to colonise exposed rock faces and crevices. Frequently grows alongside other drought-adapted native ferns.

Associated habitats:
Rock outcrops, cliff faces, dry bluffs, rocky grasslands, exposed hillsides and sparsely vegetated rocky terrain.

How to grow:
Plant in a sunny or lightly shaded position with excellent drainage. Suitable for rock gardens, retaining walls, alpine houses and containers. Avoid heavy wet soils and excessive humidity.

Propagation:
Readily propagated from spores. Established plants may self-sow in suitable dry rocky situations and can become well established without assistance.

Cultural use:
A characteristic fern of New Zealand’s dry eastern landscapes and rocky habitats, valued for its resilience and unusual woolly appearance.

Garden value:
An attractive and easy-care native fern that brings texture and contrast to dry gardens. Its silvery hairs and scaled fronds make it particularly effective among rocks, gravel and drought-tolerant native plantings.