Overview

Asplenium trichomanes is a tufted, clump forming ferns in the genus Asplenium, part of the Aspleniaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Asplenium trichomanes grows best in full shade and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include houseplants, sub-tropical and conservatory and greenhouse. It is native to Amur, China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast, Japan, Kamchatka, Khabarovsk, Korea, Kuril Is., Manchuria, Nansei-shoto and Primorye.

About

Asplenium trichomanes, the maidenhair spleenwort (not to be confused with the similarly-named but very different maidenhair fern), is a small fern in the spleenwort genus Asplenium. It is a widespread and common species, occurring almost worldwide in a variety of rocky habitats. It is a variable fern with several subspecies. In the wild it grows across North America, Oceania, Alabama, Alaska, Alberta and other regions. It grows to around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. Grow it in full shade and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates alkaline and neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and west-facing, east-facing and north-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Asplenium trichomanes

About the genus

Asplenium is a genus of about 700 species of ferns, often treated as the only genus in the family Aspleniaceae, though other authors consider Hymenasplenium separate, based on molecular phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences, a different chromosome count, and structural differences in the rhizomes. The type species for the genus is Asplenium marinum.

Wikipedia contributors, "Asplenium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Asplenium

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Asplenium

Sunlight

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil type

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

West-facing, East-facing, North-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H6

Plant details

Asplenium trichomanes size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Ferns

Habit

Tufted, Clump forming

Foliage

Evergreen

Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Time to full height

5-10 years

Suggested uses

Houseplants, Sub-tropical, Conservatory and greenhouse

Native to

Amur, China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast, Japan, Kamchatka, Khabarovsk, Korea, Kuril Is., Manchuria, Nansei-shoto, Primorye

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Asplenium trichomanes

Cultivation

Prefers shaded, rocky habitats with well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging; suitable for rock gardens and shaded walls

Pruning

Remove dead or damaged fronds to maintain appearance; no heavy pruning required

Propagation

Division, sowing spores as soon as ripe at 15°C

Pest resistance

Scale insects

Disease resistance

Rust in mild, damp winters

Frequently asked questions