Which fern species can grow in full sun?

While most ferns are typically found in shaded, damp environments, certain species are adapted to grow in open, fully exposed sites and are often referred to as "sun ferns."1

These sun-tolerant species include:

• Bracken (Pteridium): Commonly found in old fields or cleared forests, this genus is well-known for its ability to thrive in open, exposed areas.21
• Lip ferns (Cheilanthes): These are terrestrial ferns adapted to open, fully exposed sites.1
• Brakes (Pteris): Another group of terrestrial ferns that can inhabit open, sunny locations.1
• Gleichenia: Often explicitly referred to as a "sun fern," this genus does not require shade as a mature plant.1

It is important to note that while the mature sporophytes of these species can tolerate sun and drought, their gametophytes—the small, ephemeral stage of the fern life cycle—still generally require deep to moderate shade and a humid microenvironment to develop successfully.1