Asplenium septentrionale
forked spleenwort
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
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical 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
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