Hemionitis lanosa (fka Cheilanthes lanosa)

Hairy Lipfern is a native, deciduous, drought-tolerant fern that grows in dry woodland areas and rock outcrops and can be found in the Piedmont and mountains of NC.  It has dark green fronds that dry up and curl when it gets too dry but comes back to life when moisture is added.  It does better in sunny areas than most ferns but may need additional water.   Propagate it by dividing the rootball; it will spread slowly by rhizomes.