©Tom Marshall

Maidenhair spleenwort

A small, tufted fern, maidenhair spleenwort can be found growing out of crevices between rocks, in walls and on mossy branches across the UK.

Scientific name

Asplenium trichomanes

When to see

January to December

Species information

Statistics

Height: 15cm

Conservation status

Common.

Habitats

About

Maidenhair spleenwort is a small fern that can be found growing in tufts on rocks, old walls and mossy branches. This pretty fern is ideal for gardens - plant it in sloping rockeries, crevices or walls for attractive cover all year-round. It spreads by means of spores, so new 'crowns' should establish themselves naturally.

How to identify

An easily recognisable fern, maidenhair spleenwort has long fronds made up of short, round leaflets paired from a central black stem.

Distribution

Widespread.

Did you know?

Maidenhair spleenwort occurs right round the world, from Tasmania to Turkey!

How people can help

Our gardens are a vital resource for wildlife, providing corridors of green space between open countryside, allowing species to move about. In fact, the UK's gardens provide more space for nature than all the National Nature Reserves put together. So why not try planting native plants and trees to entice birds, mammals and invertebrates into your backyard? To find out more about encouraging wildlife into your garden, visit our Wild About Gardens website: a joint initiative with the RHS, there's plenty of facts and tips to get you started.