Green Spleenwort village

Asplenium trichomanes-ramosum (formerly A. viride) is a delicate and delightful native fern often found in the mountainous regions of the UK. It is closely related to the Maidenhair Spleenwort but is distinguished by its stems, which remain green throughout their length rather than turning dark brown. This evergreen species forms small, tidy tufts of bright green, pinnate fronds, usually reaching no more than 10-15cm in height. It is a specialist plant that naturally inhabits moist, shaded limestone crevices and rock faces. In a garden setting, it is perfect for a cool, north-facing rockery, a shady wall, or an alpine house. It requires a very well-drained but consistently moist environment and is particularly sensitive to drying out or to stagnant, waterlogged soil. Being a mountain plant, it is extremely hardy against cold but appreciates the high humidity found in the wetter, western parts of the UK. It is a gem for the connoisseur of small, architectural ferns.

Sun: Full shade.

Soil: Moist but sharply drained, alkaline soil.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.