Resurrection Fern is a small fern that grows on the branches of Live oaks & large Cypress trees. It is an epiphyte, meaning that it takes nutrients from the air and water that collects on the tree. It does not feed on the tree itself.
During dry weather the Resurrection fern is brown, shriveled and dead looking. But once the rain comes it “resurrects” or comes back to life and its brown fronds unfold to green. After a few days without rain, it shrivels once again.
These photos were taken right outside my front door of a cluster of Resurrection fern growing on a Live oak tree.
Resurrection fern - Polypodium polypodioides
Resurrection Fern - drying up and starting to shrivel
oh i sure have a lot of that in the yard…on the trees…
and with all the rain lately (yay!)…the fern is ALIVE!!