Asplenium

(Polypodiaceae - polypody family)

Spleenwort. About 700 species of ferns of wide distribution. Leaves are usually evergreen and deeply cut or compound. Most of the Asplenium species are tropical epiphytes. The hardy species often grow in rocky areas, often in crevices or pockets of soil, and most are well suited to cultivation in such locations. Aspleniums do not necessarily have to be grown among rocks, but they should have very well drained soil and should not be subjected to soggy conditions.

platyneuron

evgrn peren • ht 8-16" • zones 4-8

ebony spleenwort

native, rock garden, moist - dry, part shade - sun
e and cent N Amer

The graceful, upright fronds are slender, deep green, once-divided, with a dark, glossy stem. The fronds, which are semi-evergreen, continue to develop throughout the summer. A charming accent plant suited for use in rockeries or almost any place in the garden. Said to do fairly well in dry shade, but will grow well even in full sun as long as the soil is not too dry. Slugs, which are fond of the plants, may need to be controlled until the plants are well established. Ebony spleenwort is a hardy native species, however, and once established it can fend for itself quite well.

cat # 0Q2N
$8.95 each