Cheilanthes gracillima

A narrow-leaved species similar to Cheilanthes tomentosa but with smaller, narrower leaves, basally ciliate costal scales, and more sparsely pubescent adaxial leaf surfaces. Common in the California and northwards into Washington and Oregon, not found in New Mexico.

Plant habit near Donner Pass in the Sierra Nevada, Nevada County, California, 30 Jul 2006.

Leaves near Donner Pass, 30 Jul 2006.

Abaxial view of pinnae near Donner Pass, 30 Jul 2006.

Adaxial view of pinnae near Donner Pass, 30 Jul 2006.

Abaxial view of pinnae, showing the sori. On the Boulder Creek Trail in the Klamath Ranges, Siskiyou County, California, 23 Jul 2008.

Adaxial view of a leaf on the Boulder Creek Trail, 23 Jul 2008.