Local Ecotype
Perennial
Part to full shade
Moist to medium soil
6-12” tall
Perhaps our most common fern, found growing in a variety of rocky or wooded habitats. The name highlights the lustrous brown color of the central rachis, or stem of each frond. “Spleenwort” refers to an old belief that the leaves of several closely related species could be used to cure disorders of the spleen. Ebony Spleenwort is relatively slow-growing evergreen species, well-suited to shaded borders of garden paths, tucked in among low-growing woodland grasses or perennials, or planted in a pot or crevice garden. This species sometimes creates small nodules on fronds that drop off and become tiny new plants. Moderately drought tolerant, particularly if planted in a sheltered area. Adapts to any well-draining soil. Grows 6-18” high.
Local Ecotype
Perennial
Part to full shade
Moist to medium soil
6-12” tall
Perhaps our most common fern, found growing in a variety of rocky or wooded habitats. The name highlights the lustrous brown color of the central rachis, or stem of each frond. “Spleenwort” refers to an old belief that the leaves of several closely related species could be used to cure disorders of the spleen. Ebony Spleenwort is relatively slow-growing evergreen species, well-suited to shaded borders of garden paths, tucked in among low-growing woodland grasses or perennials, or planted in a pot or crevice garden. This species sometimes creates small nodules on fronds that drop off and become tiny new plants. Moderately drought tolerant, particularly if planted in a sheltered area. Adapts to any well-draining soil. Grows 6-18” high.