Ferns🌿 Native to the NetherlandsVery hardy — tolerates frost down to -25°C

Limestone fern

Name: Limestone fern (Gymnocarpium robertianum)
Brand: HSMN Planten
SKU: 6a8b54645e18c5d0b30524c4

Gymnocarpium robertianum

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Limestone Fern (Gymnocarpium robertianum) is a small, native fern with finely divided, triangular leaves. The leaves are more aligned with the stalk than in other oak fern species. The leaves and stems are covered in glandular hairs.

Specific care needed

Use lime-rich, stony, and airy substrate in a cool location. Roots must not dry out, but winter water must be able to drain away. Do not disturb established rhizomes.

Year calendar

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
🍂Has autumn colour

Pruning period

Do not prune regularly and do not disturb the stony habitat.

Botanical profile

Site & soil

Half shade, Shade

Soil type: Sand, Loam, Humus-rich

Moisture need: Moderately moist, Moist

pH: Neutral (6.5–7.5), Chalky (>7.5)

Nutrient richness: Nutrient-poor, Moderately nutrient-rich

Humus content: Humus-poor, Moderately humus-rich

Water drainage: Well draining

Appearance & season

Mature height: 10-45cm

Bloom: Niet van toepassing

Autumn colour: Light yellow to brown before the leaves die back.

Properties

Salt sensitive: Yes

Edible: No

Do not consume or collect from the wild.

Scent: Glandular hairs can release a spicy scent when touched, somewhat reminiscent of herb-robert.

Creeping rhizome: Yes

This fern has a creeping rhizome that can spread underground — give it room or keep it in check with a root barrier.

Ecological value

The finely divided leaves are utilized by small fern-feeders and provide habitat for beetles, spiders, mites, and snails. The rhizomes hold fine organic material between stones.

Food web & Biodiversity

🐛 Caterpillars & mothsUseful

🐝 Bees & bumblebeesLimited

🪰 HoverfliesUseful

🦋 ButterfliesUseful

🪲 Beetles & insectsUseful

🐦 BirdsUseful

🐿️ MammalsUseful

🐞 Other animalsVery useful

Its ecological value lies mainly in small animals living on moist, calcareous stones and forest floors. The fern provides food for specialized fern-feeders and shelter for other invertebrates. Larger animals benefit only indirectly from the insects and snails present.

Distribution in the Netherlands