Asplenium

( ass - PLEEN - ee - um )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of fern needs partial to full shade and regular to ample water. Once referred to as Spleenwort in reference to its alleged medicinal value, these plants make great additions to shaded areas of the garden, and are widely planted. Spreaders by rhizomes. 

Asplenium Species and Varietals

The genus Asplenium includes around 700 species of ferns, and is a member of the plant family Aspleniaceae. The best growing zones for Asplenium vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Asplenium adiantum-nigrum (Black Spleenwort)
These plants are mainly found in Africa, Europe, and Asia, but are also native to Mexico and the United States. Leaf blades are thick and triangular, and reach up to 14 inches tall when mature. Fronds are light green to green, new growth often flushed with golden tones.

Asplenium antiquum (Bird's Nest Fern, Spleenwort)
These plants are native to China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, where they grow on cliffs, logs and rocks. This is an endangered species in South Korea and Taiwan. Despite its endangered status, however, these are still cultivated as ornamental plants in the nursery trade, and can be grown outdoors year-round in mild climate areas. They are grown as houseplants or greenhouse specimens in cooler climates. Cultivars include 'Crissie', 'Hurricaine' (pictured), 'Leslie', 'Osaka', and 'Victoria'.

Asplenium australasicum (Bird's Nest Fern, Crow's Nest Fern)
This shrubby plant forms a rosette of green to yellow-green fronds that reach between 2 and 3 feet long. They prefer to grow on rocks or as an epiphyte in trees. Many were taken from logged areas, and became popular in the horticultural trade as a result. They are native to Queensland and New South Wales.

Asplenium bradleyi (Bradley's Spleenwort, Cliff Spleenwort)
This rare species of fern is native to east-central North America, and is named for professor Frank Howe Bradley. They produce dark green foliage and have fronds that reach between 2 and 8 inches long when plants are mature.

​Asplenium bulbiferum (Mother Fern, Mother Spleenwort, Hen and Chicken Fern, Pikopiko, Mouku, Mauku)
This species of Asplenium grows best in zones 15-17 and 20-24, but can be grown indoors. In zone 14, this plant can be planted outdoors if the area is protected. Native to Australia and New Zealand, this fern has graceful, light green fronds that top out around 4 feet tall. The plant grows to 4 feet wide. Produces fernlets that can be dug up and replanted elsewhere. Hardy to 26 degrees Fahrenheit. Watch out for snails and slugs, as they like to take up residence in these ferns.

Asplenium ceterach (Rustyback Fern)
These plants are perennial evergreens and are characterized by their small size. Fronds measure up to 8 inches long and are green. They are native to western and central Europe, Asia, and Africa. They prefer to grow in full sun and require little humidity. 

Asplenium x ebenoides (Scott's Spleenwort, Dragon Tail Fern, Walking Spleenwort)
This hybrid species is native to eastern North America, and are the sterile offspring between Asplenium rhizophyllum and Asplenium platyneuron. These small evergreen ferns grow in discrete clumps, and are typically grown as ornamentals in greenhouses and gardens. They prefer medium light and high humidity.

Asplenium flabellifolium (Necklace Fern, Butterfly Fern, Walking Fern)
These small ferns are native to Australia and New Zealand, and the species was first described by Spanish botanist Antonio Jose Cavanilles. They typically grow from the ground, but can be epiphytic or grow in rock crevices. Fronds reach between 4 and 8 inches long with fan-shaped leaflets.

Asplenium nidus (Bird's Nest Fern, Nest Fern)
This species is native to tropical southeastern Asia, eastern Australia, Hawaii, Polynesia, India, and eastern Africa. Fronds reach between 4 and 8 inches long and are green. Midribs are dark brown to black in color. Central fronds are upright, and outer ones tend to rest on the soil surface.

Asplenium ruta-muraria (Wall-Rue)
These plants grow exclusively on limestone and other calcareous rocks, and produces bluish-green fronds that are heavily divided. They are native to Europe, East Asia, and eastern North America.

​Asplenium scolopendrium (Hart's Tongue Fern)
This variety of Asplenium grows best in zones 2b-9 and 14-24. Native to Europe and the Eastern United States, this is an odd-looking specimen fern with undivided, strap-like leaves. It grows to form a clump around 2 feet wide, and there are many varieties to collect, with varying shapes, colors, and leaf divisions. These plants need humus soil, amended with limestone chips if the soil is acidic. Hard to grow where water quality is poor. These are great for woodland or rock gardens as well as containers, where they can remain in the same pot for years.


​Asplenium trichomanes (Maidenhair Spleenwort)
This species has delicate foliage and is native to most of the Northern Hemisphere. They grow best in zones 2-9, 14-24, H1 and H2, and get to 6 inches tall and 8 inches wide. Fronds are bright green and round. These ferns prefer alkaline conditions, so amend soil with limestone chips if necessary. Great for crevices in walls or for shaded rock gardens.

Caring for Asplenium

Some ferns, including some cultivars of Asplenium x lucrosum, will make miniature replicas on the fronds of the parent plants (Bulbils) which can be rooted easily in the right conditions.

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

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Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: Asplenium
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 175, Asplenium
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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