SafePlants

Scott's Spleenwort (Asplenium ebenoides)

Considerations for Pets

• The plant has irregular jagged edges on its fronds.

Considerations for Children

• The plant has irregular jagged edges on its fronds.

Quirky Facts

• Scott's Spleenwort is a naturally occurring hybrid, the result of "hanky-panky out in the woods" between two other ferns!
• When established, Scott's Spleenwort will occasionally produce plantlets on the leaf tips thanks to genes inherited from the walking fern.
• Its long, narrow, arching evergreen fronds with irregular jagged edges are reminiscent of a dragon’s tail.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Asplenium ebenoides R. R. Scott
• Common Names: Scott's Spleenwort, Dragon Tail Fern, Walking Spleenwort, Dragontail Fern
• Family: Aspleniaceae
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Synonyms:
  • x Asplenosorus ebenoides (R.R. Scott) Wherry
  • Asplenium x ebenoides R.R. Scott (pro sp.)
• Taxonomic Rank: Subspecies, such as Asplenium ebenoides platyneuron

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to eastern North America, particularly the Appalachian region.
• Range extends from New Hampshire to Mississippi and Georgia.
• Found in limestone regions, such as Warren County, New Jersey.

Morphology and Growth Habits

• Forms a low, evergreen mound.
• Long, narrow, arching evergreen fronds with irregular jagged edges.
• Reaches a height of approximately 30cm (around 10-12 inches).
• Has green stems.
• Roots are not specified in the provided text.

Hybrid Information

• A naturally occurring hybrid between Asplenium platyneuron (ebony spleenwort) and Asplenium rhizophyllum (walking fern).

Cultivation

• Prefers partial shade and moist, well-composted soil.
• Thrives in limestone-based soils with a suitable pH.

Further Information

• Dave's Garden community shares tips and ideas for gardens, seeds, and plants.
• Plant Delights Nursery offers Asplenium ebenoides for sale.
• Tropicos provides name search functionality.
• GRIN Taxonomy database contains information about the species.