This fern produces frilly leaves up to about 30 centimeters (12in) long, each divided into segments which are subdivided, the ultimate segments just a few millimeters long and widely lance-shaped to oblong. The leaf segments bear resin glands which exude a very sticky, clear fluid.
The leaves are also somewhat hairy. The leaf segments have curled edges along which are located the sori with their brown sporangia.
Etymology
Members of the genus Cheilanthes as historically defined (which includes Myriopteris) are commonly known as "lip ferns" due to the lip-like (false) indusium formed by the leaf margins curling over the sori. The common name viscid lip fern refers to the sticky glands on the underside of the leaf described by the epithet.
Conservation
NatureServe considers M.viscida globally vulnerable (G3) due to its limited distribution, although it is not considered threatened within California.
Windham, Michael D.; Rabe, Eric W. (1993). "Cheilanthes viscida". In Flora of North America Editorial Committee (ed.). Flora of North America North of Mexico. Vol.2: Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms. New York and Oxford: Oxford University Press. Retrieved July 22, 2025.
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