Golden Polypody

(Phlebodium aureum previously Polypodium aureum)

It thrives in boots of Cabbage Palms and is a rhizomatous fern, with the creeping rhizome 8–15 mm (rarely 30 mm) in diameter, densely covered in the golden-brown scales that give the species its name. Because of this, it is sometimes referred to as a rabbit’s foot fern. On the underside of its leaves are gold to brown round sori that run along each side of the pinna midrib, and the minute spores are wind-dispersed. It has been used for medicinal purposes such as coughs, colds, and medicinal baths. This plant dies back in cold weather. It is the only species of Phlebodium found in North America.

Information Provided by the Friends of Barefoot Beach Preserve
No Reproduction Without Written Permission
www.friendsofbarefootbeach.org