Adder's-tongue Fern

Ophioglossum vulgatum, the Adder's-tongue Fern, is a unique and understated native British fern, often overlooked due to its small size and unusual appearance. It consists of a single, undivided, ovate, sterile frond, similar to a leaf, from which emerges a distinctive spore-bearing stalk resembling a snake's tongue. Growing only to 10-30cm tall, it often blends into grassy areas. It prefers moist, undisturbed, neutral to alkaline grasslands and meadows, often indicating ancient or unimproved sites. A fascinating botanical curiosity for a native plant enthusiast's collection, best appreciated in a naturalistic setting where it can establish without disturbance. It is fully deciduous.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist, neutral to alkaline grassland.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.