Shawnee Spleenwort: A Rare Native Fern Worth Knowing About
Meet one of Illinois’s most exclusive residents: the Shawnee spleenwort (Asplenium ×shawneense). This little-known native fern might not grace many gardens, but it holds a special place in the heart of native plant enthusiasts and botanists alike. If you’re the type of gardener who gets excited about discovering botanical rarities, this perennial fern deserves a spot on your radar.
What Makes This Spleenwort Special?
The Shawnee spleenwort is what botanists call a hybrid species, indicated by that little × symbol in its scientific name. This means it likely arose from the crossing of two parent spleenwort species, creating something entirely unique. You might also see it referenced by its synonym, ×Asplenosorus shawneensis, in older botanical literature.
As a member of the spleenwort family, this fern displays the characteristic delicate, finely-divided fronds that make these plants so appealing to shade gardeners. The fronds emerge in attractive clusters, creating a soft, textural element that’s perfect for adding subtle beauty to quiet garden corners.
Where Does It Call Home?
Here’s where things get really interesting (and a bit concerning): the Shawnee spleenwort is currently known only from Illinois. This extremely limited geographic distribution makes it one of the rarest ferns in North America. While it’s native to the lower 48 states, its presence in just one state raises questions about its conservation status and long-term survival.
Should You Grow Shawnee Spleenwort?
This is where we need to have an honest conversation. While the Shawnee spleenwort would undoubtedly be a fascinating addition to any native plant collection, its rarity means we should approach cultivation thoughtfully. If you’re lucky enough to find this species available from a reputable native plant nursery, make sure it’s been responsibly propagated rather than collected from wild populations.
Given its scarcity, most gardeners might want to consider other native spleenwort species that can provide similar aesthetic benefits without the conservation concerns. However, if you’re specifically working on Illinois native plant preservation or have connections with botanical institutions, growing this species could contribute to its conservation.
Growing Conditions and Care
Like most spleenworts, the Shawnee variety likely thrives in:
- Partial to full shade conditions
- Consistently moist, well-draining soil
- Protection from harsh winds and extreme temperatures
- Cool, humid microclimates
Based on its Illinois origins, this fern should be hardy in USDA zones 4-8, making it suitable for much of the Midwest and similar climates. As a perennial, it will return year after year, slowly forming small colonies under ideal conditions.
The Bigger Picture
Whether or not you ever encounter the Shawnee spleenwort in person, its story highlights the importance of protecting our native plant heritage. This little fern represents the kind of botanical diversity that makes local ecosystems unique and irreplaceable.
For most gardeners interested in native ferns, consider exploring other Asplenium species that are more readily available and less conservation-sensitive. The maidenhair spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes) or ebony spleenwort (Asplenium platyneuron) offer similar delicate beauty while being much more widely distributed and available.
Sometimes the most valuable plants are the ones that teach us to appreciate the rare and remarkable diversity hiding in plain sight in our own backyards—even if we can only admire them from afar.
