Asplenium scolopendrium

RHS Plant Profile
hart's tongue fern

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hart's tongue fern visionspictures.com
hart's tongue fern visionspictures.com

Other common names

burnt weed, buttonhole, Christ's hair, horse tongue

Synonyms

Phyllitis scolopendrium

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Ferns
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An evergreen fern forming a rosette of arching, rich green, strap-shaped fronds 30-75cm in length, the margins often undulate. Spores borne in conspicuous transverse stripes beneath the fronds

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full shade Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Aspleniaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Tufted
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. Hemis.

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grows well in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Bright mid-day sun can cause damage. May be sensitive to fungicides. Tolerant of dry shade but water regularly during the first season and mulch well. See how to grow ferns for further advice

Propagation

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Pruning

Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary

Pests

Generally pest-free outdoors

Diseases

May be susceptible to a rust in mild, damp winters