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Walking Fern (Asplenium rhizophyllum)

The term "walking fern" commonly refers to two fern species within the genus Asplenium. While usually classified under Asplenium, they are sometimes placed in the separate genus Camptosorus.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Asplenium rhizophyllum
• Common Names: Walking fern, American Walking Fern

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Aspleniaceae (Spleenwort Family)
• Genus: Asplenium (sometimes Camptosorus)
• Synonyms: Camptosorus rhizophyllus

Distribution and Habitat

• The walking fern is native to North America and East Asia.
• Specifically, Asplenium rhizophyllum is frequently found in eastern North America.
• Its range extends from southern Ontario and Quebec in Canada, south to Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi.
• Typically found on shaded, high-pH rocks and cliffs.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Perennial fern.
• Features simple, triangular fronds that taper into a prolongation.
• The fronds often bend at the top and take root at the apex, facilitating its "walking" habit.
• Consists of a small tuft of low simple leaves.
• The leaves are often long-tapering to the tips, and if a leaf tip falls on a moist surface, it can root and sprout a new plant.
• Culms are erect or ascending, usually unbranched from short, scaly rhizomes.
• Leaves are evergreen, arching or nearly prostrate.

Interesting Growth Habits

• It spreads by the bulbils on the frond tips growing when they touch the soil.
• Gets its common name from its ability to develop new roots and shoots where its leaves touch the ground, creating the appearance of "walking."

Further Information

• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides help and information on Asplenium rhizophyllum.
• Dave's Garden is a community where tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants, are shared.