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rue spleenwort
Scientific Name: Asplenium rutaceum
Family: Aspleniaceae
Category: Fern
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Wall Rue Spleenwort
Wall Rue Spleenwort, scientifically known as Asplenium ruta-muraria, is a small, delicate fern often found growing on walls and cliffs. It is also referred to as wall rue.
Considerations for Pets
- This fern is described as delicate, which may make it susceptible to damage from pets.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Asplenium ruta-muraria
- Synonym: Asplenium rutaceum (Willd.) Mett.
- Family: Aspleniaceae (Spleenworts)
Distribution and Habitat
- Wall Rue Spleenwort is found in Eurasia and North America.
- Specifically, it's found in Appalachia and New England, as well as parts of Europe and Asia.
- It typically grows on steep slopes, walls, and cliffs, favoring dry cracks in western sites.
- It has also been observed growing on limestone cliffs.
Morphological Characteristics
- This is a small, delicate, evergreen fern.
- It has branched fronds that are approximately 1.5 to 7 inches (4 to 17 cm) long, with frond length reported up to 12cm.
Quirky Facts
- In the UK, Wall Rue is considered the smallest native fern.
- It is often seen growing with Ivy-leaved toadflax on dry walls.
Ecological Interactions
- It is sometimes found growing alongside Maidenhair Spleenwort.
Further Information
- Discover Life provides resources on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Asplenium rutaceum.