fernN. America Native

Maidenhair Spleenwort

The Story

Plant Bio

Asplenium trichomanes, commonly known as Maidenhair Spleenwort, is a small evergreen fern with delicate, pinnate fronds that are bright green and form dense clumps, thriving in rocky and shaded environments.

This fern is notable for its resilience in rocky crevices and its ability to tolerate drought, making it well-suited for growing on walls or in shaded, well-drained locations.

Uses & Benefits:

Adds lush, green texture to shaded garden areas with delicate fronds.

Prefers shaded, moist environments, helping control soil moisture levels.

Provides habitat for small insects and contributes to biodiversity.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Fern

Height

6 inches

Width

8 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Prefers moist soil

Humidity

High humidity preferred

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Worldwide, especially shaded woodlands

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Late fall

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck spores into moist soil in spring.
Keep soil consistently moist for best growth.
Mist fronds regularly to maintain humidity.
Place in shaded or partially shaded area.
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Mulch lightly to retain soil moisture.

Pro Tip

Maintain high humidity and consistent moisture for lush growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Place in shaded areas to prevent leaf scorch
Mulch to conserve soil moisture
Gently remove dead fronds

Don't

Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch fronds ❌
Don’t let soil dry out completely
Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers which can promote disease

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland borderMoist, shaded garden bed

Companion Plants

Hostas Astilbes Heucheras Japanese painted fern Ligularia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Maidenhair Spleenwort questions

What zones can Maidenhair Spleenwort grow in?

Maidenhair Spleenwort is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Maidenhair Spleenwort deer resistant?

Yes — Maidenhair Spleenwort is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Maidenhair Spleenwort bloom?

Maidenhair Spleenwort typically blooms in late fall through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Maidenhair Spleenwort need full sun?

Maidenhair Spleenwort does best in part shade.