SafePlants

Creeping Spleenwort (Asplenium serra)

The Creeping Spleenwort, scientifically known as Asplenium serra, is a fascinating fern species. It is also referred to as creeping spleenwort (English), and helecho (Spanish).

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is a forb/herb, and is non-woody
• The Maidenhair Spleenwort forms dense tufted rosettes of deep green fronds on black, wire-like stems.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Asplenium serra Langsd. & Fisch.
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonym: Asplenium serra var. imrayanum Hook.
• Family: Aspleniaceae (Spleenwort family)

Distribution and Habitat

• The Creeping Spleenwort is not a marine plant.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Asplenium serra is described as a forb/herb, meaning it's a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
• It can be identified by its creeping rhizome.
• The Maidenhair Spleenwort is a rhizomous, low growing, creeping fern that forms dense tufted rosettes of deep green fronds on black, wire-like stems.
• The root system consists of a rootstalk that is either vertical or short-creeping.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The Lesser Spleenwort and Creeping Spleenwort hybridise only with themselves.

Related Spleenwort Species

• Asplenium listeri (Christmas Island Spleenwort)
• Asplenium hookerianum (Hookers spleenwort)
• Asplenium lyallii (Creeping Tree Fern, Mountain Tree Fern, Golden Tree)
• Asplenium horridum (Lacy Spleenwort)
• Asplenium hybridum
• Asplenium adiantum-nigrum (Black Spleenwort)
• Asplenium adnatum
• Asplenium flaccidum (Hanging Spleenwort, Drooping Spleenwort)
• Asplenium oblongifolium (Shining Spleenwort)
• Asplenium pinnatifidum (Lobed Spleenwort)
• Asplenium trichomanes (Maidenhair Spleenwort)
• Asplenium marinum (Sea Spleenwort)
• Asplenium viride (Green Spleenwort)

Further Information

• Discover Life provides a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Asplenium serra.
• The Catalogue of Life, 3rd January 2011