SafePlants

Maidenhair Spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes)

Asplenium trichomanes, commonly known as maidenhair spleenwort, is a small and delicate fern prized for its beauty and adaptability to garden settings, particularly rock gardens and stone troughs.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant has small parts (spores) that may present a choking hazard.

Considerations for Children

• This plant has small parts (spores) that may present a choking hazard.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Asplenium trichomanes L.
• Common Names: Maidenhair Spleenwort, Dense Spleenwort, Toothed Spleenwort, Brightgreen Spleenwort, Spleenwort.
• Family: Aspleniaceae (Spleenwort family), also sometimes listed as Polypodiaceae.
• Kingdom: Not specified in text, but implied to be within the plant kingdom.
• Taxonomic Rank: The maidenhair spleenwort is divided into two subspecies: Asplenium trichomanes ssp. trichomanes (growing in crevices of acidic rocks) and another subspecies that is not fully named in the provided text.

Etymology

• The name "Trichomanes" comes from the ancient Greek, meaning "hair of the head," likely derived from "tricho" (hairy) + "manes" (flowing).

Distribution and Habitat

• Widespread and common, found growing in tufts on rocks, old walls, and mossy branches.
• Prefers shaded limestone environments.
• Also found in crevices on rock rich in lime, cliffs, and scree.
• Grows in both acidic and lime-rich substrates.
• The species is found in the northern temperate zone, including Britain, Northern Ireland, Tasmania, Turkey, Victoria and Hull. One variation is rock-inhabiting in Hawaii.
• Two miniature spleenwort ferns, including *Asplenium trichomanes*, frequent rocky outcrops in Japan, with *A. trichomanes* preferring moist conditions.

Morphological Characteristics

• Small fern forming dense tufts.
• Evergreen.
• Perennial with short rhizomes.
• Fronds are clustered from the base of the plant and are typically 7-35 cm long, though some can reach 15cm.
• Fronds are narrow and long, gradually tapering towards the tip.
• Leaflets are slightly roundly toothed and opposite each other in pairs.
• Has a blackish, glossy frond stalk and midrib.
• Narrow lance-shaped, pinnate dark green fronds on black or dark brown stalks.

Quirky Facts

• The Maidenhair Fern occurs right around the world, from Tasmania to Turkey!
• One source notes a location where Maidenhair Spleenwort thrives within thirty yards of heavy transcontinental traffic, yet is well concealed.

Further Information

• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) offers help and information.
• Ontario Ferns provides photos and information.
• Endangered Resces Program offers information, photos, and links for identification.
• Wisconsin State Herbarium provides photos.
• Wikimedia Commons hosts images (e.g., File:Maidenhair spleenwort (Pancake B).jpg).