Family
Aspleniaceae
Botanical Name
ASPLENIUM platyneuron
Plant Common Name
Ebony Spleenwort
General Description
This tough little evergreen fern offers delightful beauty without the need for a specialized environment. Its wide adaptability is proven by its natural range which spans the warmer tropical regions of North America, Africa and the West Indies, and parts of the midwestern U.S.. It asks for porous gritty ground with plenty of humus to keep the roots in an oxygen rich medium. In the wild it’s found on rocky banks and the slopes of river canyons and in woodlands.
Ebony spleenwort was named for an Old World belief that it could be used to cure diseases of the spleen. It produces upright, slightly arching fronds similar to that of the Boston Fern. These are glossy and bright green, standing out boldly against darker backgrounds. The midrib or stipe of the frond is dark purplish brown, making for high contrast. Fertile fronds bearing spores on the backside tend to stand more erect. This is a great fern choice for the warm climates where smaller plants are needed in suburban homesites or in nooks and crannies of city gardens.
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
None
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Semi-Evergreen
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Showy Bark
No
