Anemia mexicana

 (Mexican Flowering Fern) Unusual, rarely seen fern that should be a lot more popular!  Leathery, evergreen, arching fronds to 2’ are quite handsome in the lightly shaded garden.  Fronds are punctuated by erect fertile stems that resemble astilbe spikes, starting green (packed with spores), aging to buffy bronze.  From Mexico and Texas where it can be found on limestone outcroppings, this is a great rock garden candidate, will take some drought and enjoys more light than other ferns.