No images found for this plant ID: 4709.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "4709" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

Safe for Dogs?

Safe for Cats?

Safe for Reptiles?

toothed spleenwort

Scientific Name: Asplenium trichomanes-dentatum

Family: Aspleniaceae

Category: Fern

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: FL (slender spleenwort)

       

Toothed Spleenwort (Asplenium dentatum, Asplenium trichomanes-dentatum)

The Toothed Spleenwort, also known as Asplenium trichomanes-dentatum, is a fern with several common names and a fascinating distribution.

Considerations for Pets

  • The Toothed Spleenwort's leaflets can be slightly roundly toothed.
  • Other spleenworts have been noted to have leaf edges that are "wrinkled to toothed".
  • Some spleenworts have "narrowly or deeply toothed" edges.

Considerations for Children

  • The Toothed Spleenwort's leaflets can be slightly roundly toothed.
  • Other spleenworts have been noted to have leaf edges that are "wrinkled to toothed".
  • Some spleenworts have "narrowly or deeply toothed" edges.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Asplenium dentatum L. (formerly), Asplenium trichomanes-dentatum L.
  • Common Names: Toothed Spleenwort, Maidenhair Spleenwort, Dense Spleenwort, Brightgreen Spleenwort, American Toothed Spleenwort
  • Family: Aspleniaceae (Spleenwort Family), also referred to as Polypodiaceae
  • Rank: Species
  • Synonym: Asplenium trichomanes-dentatum L.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Bermuda, Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America.
  • Favors exposed moist environments for ecological restoration.

Morphological Characteristics

  • A forb/herb, meaning it's a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
  • Fronds can be broadest at the base, narrow-triangular, glossy, and slightly leathery, ranging from 10-45cm in length.
  • Fronds are twice or three times pinnate.
  • Segments (leaflets) are oval or lanceolate, often toothed.

Ecological Role

  • Recommended for natural landscapes and habitat restorations.

Additional Information

  • Asplenium is a genus of about 700 species of ferns.

Resources

  • Discover Life: Provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Asplenium trichomanes-dentatum.
  • Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI): Ranks the species as G5/S1S2.
  • Department of Conservation Services, Bermuda: Offers information on local flora. (www.conservation.bm)