Asplenium trichomanes
maidenhair spleenwort
A compact, evergreen terrestrial fern to about 15cm tall, with creeping rhizomes and forming a rosette of blackish-stemmed, pinnate, dark green fronds with small, rounded or oblong segments; well-suited to planting in a dry wall
Synonyms
Asplenium trichomanoides
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown | Green | ||
| Autumn | Brown | Green | ||
| Winter | Brown | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Aspleniaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted, 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
- N Termperate, Tropical Mountains
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil, with added grit, in partial shade. 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
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Dead or damaged fronds may be removed as necessary
Pests
Generally pest-free outdoors
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.