Ontario Ferns website

Slender Cliffbrake
Cryptogramma stelleri

Slender Cliffbrake (Cryptogramma stelleri) Other common names: Fragile Rockbrake, Slender Rockbrake, Steller's Rockbrake

Other scientific names: Pellaea gracilis, Pteris stelleri

French names: Cryptogramme de Steller 

Family: Maidenhair Fern Family (Pteridaceae)

Group: Cliffbrakes

Similar species:
  •   Purple-stemmed Cliffbrake (Pellaea atropurpurea) - larger, has purple stem with tiny hairs.

  •   Smooth Cliffbrake (Pellaea glabella) - no hairs along stem.


Fronds: Once divided

Habitat: Fields and Open Areas

Native/Non-native: Native

Photographs: 91 photographs available, of which 4 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.

Slender Cliffbrake (Cryptogramma stelleri)

Slender Cliffbrake (Cryptogramma stelleri)

Slender Cliffbrake (Cryptogramma stelleri)

Underside of leaflets.

Slender Cliffbrake (Cryptogramma stelleri)

A small patch in the woods.