Pentagramma triangularis (original) (raw)

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, with highest abundance in the state of California. 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. The Latin specific epithet Pentagramma derives from "five lines" or "stripes" while triangularis derives from "three sided", describing the shape of the fern's broad triangular fronds.