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Description
Species Information
Hart’s Tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium) is a British native evergreen fern found throughout the UK. It naturally grows in damp, shady areas such as woodland banks, gorges, and sheltered rocky outcrops. This garden fern is valued for its bold foliage and year-round structure, making it a popular choice for shaded borders and gardens.
Asplenium scolopendrium thrives in moist woodland-like conditions, particularly on base-rich soils and limestone. It’s recognised as an ancient woodland indicator plant, highlighting areas of long ecological continuity.
How to Identify
Hart’s tongue fern can be recognised by its long, tongue-like fronds, which form a neat rosette from a central crown. Unlike many native ferns, the fronds are undivided, with smooth or slightly crinkled margins and a glossy, dark-green leaf blade that remains evergreen year-round.
On the underside of mature fronds, distinctive linear sori patterns develop, producing orange spores when ripe. The bold leaf shape and leathery texture make this fern easy to distinguish from other woodland species.
How to Grow
This low-maintenance evergreen fern grows best in full shade or partial shade, and moist but well-drained soil. It prefers soils enriched with organic matter, such as leaf mould, which mimics its natural woodland habitat.
Asplenium scolopendrium performs particularly well in damp and shady borders, gorges, and partial shade gardens, especially on alkaline or base-rich soils. Once established, it requires very little care, with only occasional removal of older fronds to keep plants tidy and encourage fresh growth.
