Hart's Tongue Fern

Asplenium scolopendrium is a species of evergreen fern which will add year-round interest to the garden. This plant prefers shady areas, and is typically found growing underneath the cover of trees or large shrubs. The rhizome bears an arching rosette of green, lucent, tongue-like fronds with undulate margins. Unusually for a fern, the fronds are whole and undivided, giving the plant a more substantial appearance than most other ferns. It will grow best in moist but well-drained, slightly alkaline soil, and really requires very little attention. The most important thing to bear in mind is that the plant must not receive the harsh midday sun, as this can cause much damage to the fronds. Water regularly during the first season after planting, and surround with mulch; however, once established it will become much more tolerant of dry soil. The undersides of mature fronds are attractively marked with conspicuous linear brown stripes; these are the sori, the spore-producing receptacles. This plant may be propagated by sowing the spores in mid to late summer, or by division in the spring. Any damaged fronds may be removed in early spring, just before new growth emerges.

Buy Live Pond Plants