Pentagramma triangularis

Pentagramma triangularis, commonly known as the gold fern or the goldback fern, is a species of fern in the family Pteridaceae, native to Western North America, particularly to the state of California.[2]

Pentagramma triangularis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Division: Polypodiophyta
Class: Polypodiopsida
Order: Polypodiales
Family: Pteridaceae
Genus: Pentagramma
Species:
P. triangularis
Binomial name
Pentagramma triangularis
(Kaulf.) Yatsk., Windham & E. Wollenw.
Synonyms[1]
  • Ceropteris triangularis (Kaulf.) Underw.
  • Gymnogramma triangularis Kaulf.
  • Gymnopteris triangularis Underw.
  • Hemionitis triangularis (Kaulf.) Christenh.
  • Neurogramma triangularis Diels
  • Pityrogramma triangularis Maxon

Its common name "goldback" refers to the light yellow color of the fern's protective coating which inhibits moisture loss. The gold texture appears as a dry powder that is excreted on the underside of the fern.[3]

The Latin specific epithet Pentagramma derives from "five lines" or "stripes" while Triangularis derives from "three sided", describing the shape of the fern's five broad triangular fronds.[3]

Description

Like all ferns, P. triangularis does not produce flowers nor seeds, only spores. It has smooth Rhizome stems that are anywhere from black to brown in color, and its fronds are bright green with spore sacs on the bottom surrounded by a lighter yellow excreted substance.[3]

P. triangularis can grow up to a height of 6 to 12 inches.[4][3]

Distribution

The ecological distribution of P. triangularis includes the west coast of North America and extends from Vancouver Island, British Columbia, to Baja California, Mexico, east to Arizona, and in the Blue Mountains of Washington.[5]

P. triangularis prefers shaded areas and is commonly found in rocky crevices and slopes, mixed evergreen and oak forests, and occasionally on dry brushy slopes.[6][3]

It is found in elevations between 500 ft (152 m) and 8,500 ft (2591 m).[6]

Uses

The fronds are eaten by species such as the Dusky-footed woodrat.[3]

The Indigenous tribes of California would use the goldback fern as an analgesic treatment. The Karuk tribe would use the fern to treat pain related to childbirth, and the Miwok tribe would use the fern as a treatment for toothaches. Additionally, Yurok tribe children would use the fern to create body art with the golden powder.[7]

Subspecies
  • P. triangularis subsp. semipallida (J. Howell) G. Yatsk. et al. — pale gold back fern [8]
  • P. triangularis subsp. triangularis

Some taxa formerly considered subspecies of P. triangularis have been raised to species rank in Pentagramma.

  • Pentagramma maxonii, previously P. triangularis subsp. maxonii [9]
  • Pentagramma viscosa, previously P. triangularis subsp. viscosa [10]

References
  1. "Hemionitis triangularis (Kaulf.) Christenh". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2020-01-05.
  2. Calflora . accessed 2.12.2013
  3. "Goldback Fern :". friendsofedgewood.org. Retrieved 2021-11-13.
  4. "Goldback Fern (Pentagramma triangularis ssp. triangularis) | Curbstone Valley". curbstonevalley.com. Retrieved 2021-11-13.
  5. "Burke Herbarium Image Collection". biology.burke.washington.edu. Retrieved 2021-11-13.
  6. "SEINet Portal Network - Pentagramma triangularis". swbiodiversity.org. Retrieved 2021-11-13.
  7. "Goldback Fern (Pentagramma triangularis ssp. triangularis) | Curbstone Valley". curbstonevalley.com. Retrieved 2021-11-13.
  8. Calflora: Pentagramma triangularis ssp. semipallida'
  9. "Pentagramma triangularis subsp. maxonii in Flora of North America @ efloras.org". www.efloras.org. Retrieved 2021-11-13.
  10. "Pentagramma triangularis subsp. viscosa in Flora of North America @ efloras.org". www.efloras.org. Retrieved 2021-11-13.
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