Ferns🌿 Native to the NetherlandsVery hardy — tolerates frost down to -20°C

Hart's-tongue

Asplenium scolopendrium

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Hart's-tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium) is a native, evergreen fern with long, undivided, and glossy green fronds. On the underside, elongated spore clusters are arranged diagonally along the side veins, resembling small brown stripes.

Specific care needed

Provide a sheltered, moist, and calcareous location. Avoid harsh midday sun and drying winter winds. The soil should remain moist, but water must not stagnate around the crown.

Year calendar

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Pruning period

✂️Best pruning period: Feb–Mar

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
✂️ Pruning period

Best pruning period

Remove old or frost-damaged fronds before new growth appears.

Botanical profile

Site & soil

Half shade, Shade

Soil type: Clay, Loam, Humus-rich

Moisture need: Moderately moist, Moist

pH: Slightly acidic (5.5–6.5), Neutral (6.5–7.5), Chalky (>7.5)

Nutrient richness: Nutrient-poor, Moderately nutrient-rich

Humus content: Moderately humus-rich, Humus-rich

Water drainage: Well draining, Moisture-retentive

Appearance & season

Mature height: 15-60cm

Bloom: Niet van toepassing

Autumn colour: Evergreen.

Properties

Salt sensitive: Yes

Edible: No

Do not use as a food plant.

Scent: No distinctive scent. The leathery leaf has a slight green scent when crushed.

Creeping rhizome: No

Ecological value

The evergreen rosette provides year-round shelter for small beetles, spiders, snails, woodlice, and other invertebrates. Small fern-feeders can utilize the leaves.

Food web & Biodiversity

🐛 Caterpillars & mothsUseful

🐝 Bees & bumblebeesLimited

🪰 HoverfliesUseful

🦋 ButterfliesUseful

🪲 Beetles & insectsVery useful

🐦 BirdsUseful

🐿️ MammalsUseful

🐞 Other animalsVery useful

Hart's-tongue Fern provides year-round shelter for small animals as the foliage remains evergreen. Insects and snails can live on and under the leaves, becoming prey for birds and amphibians. The plant does not produce nectar, pollen, or berries.

Distribution in the Netherlands