Discovering the Elusive Spleenwort: A Rare Native Fern Worth Knowing
If you’re a fern enthusiast or someone who loves collecting rare native plants, you’ve probably never heard of Asplenium ×alternifolium – and that’s perfectly understandable! This little-known spleenwort is one of those botanical mysteries that makes plant hunting so exciting.
What Exactly Is This Spleenwort?
The spleenwort we’re talking about today is actually a hybrid fern (that’s what the × symbol in its scientific name tells us). As a perennial fern native to the lower 48 states, it belongs to the fascinating world of spleenworts – a group of ferns known for their resilient nature and ability to grow in rocky, challenging conditions.
Where Can You Find It?
Here’s where things get really interesting: this particular spleenwort has an extremely limited geographic distribution. It’s only been documented in two states – South Dakota and West Virginia. This incredibly narrow range makes it one of the more elusive native ferns you might encounter.
Why This Rarity Matters for Gardeners
The limited distribution of this spleenwort suggests it may be quite rare in the wild. If you’re lucky enough to encounter it or find it available through specialized native plant sources, here are some important considerations:
- Only obtain plants from reputable sources that practice ethical collection
- Never collect from wild populations
- Consider it a special addition to native plant collections
- Help preserve this unique genetic combination by growing it responsibly
Garden Benefits and Uses
Like most spleenworts, this hybrid likely offers several benefits to native gardens:
- Provides year-round greenery as a perennial fern
- Adds texture and natural woodland character to shaded areas
- Requires minimal maintenance once established
- Supports the broader ecosystem of native plants and wildlife
Growing Conditions and Care
While specific growing requirements for this hybrid aren’t well-documented, we can make educated guesses based on other spleenworts and its native habitat:
- Prefers partial to full shade
- Likely thrives in well-draining, rocky soils
- May prefer slightly alkaline conditions (common for many spleenworts)
- Probably drought-tolerant once established
- Best suited for USDA zones that overlap between South Dakota and West Virginia climates
The Bottom Line
This spleenwort represents one of those special native plants that reminds us how much botanical diversity exists right under our noses. While it may not be the easiest fern to find or grow, its rarity makes it a conversation piece for serious native plant gardeners.
If you’re interested in adding unique native ferns to your garden but can’t locate this particular species, consider other native spleenworts that might be more readily available in your region. Every native fern you grow helps support local ecosystems and preserves our natural heritage.
Remember: with rare plants like this one, the key is responsible gardening. Source ethically, grow thoughtfully, and maybe even share seeds or spores with other native plant enthusiasts to help ensure these botanical treasures stick around for future generations to discover and appreciate.
