Asplenium septentrionale

RHS Plant Profile
forked spleenwort

Other common names

grass fern

Synonyms

Acrostichum septentrionale

Ferns

A small, evergreen fern with a tufted, clump-forming habit. Its thin, wiry fronds, 5–20cm long, 2–4 mm wide, are deep green to bluish-green, leathery, and often forked at the tips, resembling grass. Slow-growing but long-lived, it thrives in rocky, dry habitats

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full shade Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Aspleniaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Asplenium are evergreen ferns with short, usually erect rhizomes bearing a rosette of slightly leathery fronds which may be simple, pinnate to 3-pinnate
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Temp. N. Hemisphere

How to Grow

Cultivation

Thrives in rocky crevices, dry stone walls, and shaded slopes, tolerating drought and harsh conditions. See hardy ferns cultivation for more information

Propagation

Propagate by division, or propagate by sowing spores as soon as ripe at 15°C

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free