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Walking Fern

Sale price$15.99

The Walking Fern is a unique fern known for its ability to propagate by tip rooting, creating a lush, spreading ground cover in shaded areas.

Thrives in low-light conditions

Great for shaded or woodland areas

Low water and fertilizer needs

Thrives in

ZONE 5ZONE 6ZONE 7ZONE 8
Package of: Buy 1 + Get 2 Free

This plant ships:

May 25
1 Year Guarantee on all plants

Walking Fern - Asplenium rhizophyllum

The Walking Fern (Asplenium rhizophyllum) is native to eastern North America where it can be found naturally growing along ledges or within crevices across shaded limestone cliffs or in moist ravines. Favoring high humidity environments, you will find this species tucked away in microclimates that provide trickly moisture and protection from the sun and wind.

This fern spreads vegetatively by rooting from the leaf tip when in contact with the ground. This is where it gets its common name, as it appears to walk, a short distance, along the forest floor.

Plant Details - Walking Fern

Family: Aspleniaceae

Hardiness Zones: 4–8

Light Requirement: Partial shade to full shade

Water Needs: Moderate

Height: 6 - 12 in

Spread: 6 – 12 in

Growth Rate: Slow to moderate

Bloom Time: NA

Flower Color: NA

Wildlife Value: Provides ground cover and microhabitats for small forest floor fauna

It is a unique fern with long, pointed, triangular leaves that begin at the base of the blade with two lobes, creating a spear-like appearance. This fern is evergreen and the leaves are quite striking as they show a network of venation that scrolls across the width of the leaf. While this fern looks quite different from the feather fronds of other ferns, it produces sori and spores on the undersides of the fronds on either side of the central vein.

The Walking Fern loves moist, rocky, and shady environments. It will grow well in moist moss or a rotting log. Once established, they will spread vegetatively and add an evergreen accent to your shaded woodland garden or rock wall attribute.

Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Walking Fern

This plant is pest and disease-free. While it has been noted by other growers to tolerate some drought, it prefers moist, well-drained soil. It will not grow in direct sunlight and requires a shaded environment to proliferate. It prefers limestone-reach or calcareous soils and can spread vegetatively by rooting from the leaf tips. This may not be a fern for beginners as they do require specific growing conditions, however they will make a lovely addition to the garden.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Evergreen, spreads vegetatively, perfect for rock walls and ledges.

This unique fern will add an accent of genuine deep forest appeal to a moist area of your garden or to a rock wall feature that will last all year long. Shop for the Walking Fern online at TN Nursery. For 68 years, we have served the landscaping industry and homeowners with specimen plants.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Bare Root Plants
Height at Maturity icon

Height at Maturity

Under 2 Feet

Care icon

Care

Walking Ferns thrive in well-draining, rich soil and benefit from consistent moisture. They are best suited for shaded, humid environments. Regularly water to keep the soil evenly moist and prune dead fronds to encourage healthy growth.

Plant Reproduction icon

Plant Reproduction

Walking Fern spreads by producing new plants from leaf tips

Choose early spring or fall when the soil is moist and cool to plant healthy bare-root ferns. You can also use dormant plants to grow year-round. When you arrive, please soak the roots in water for several hours to rehydrate them. Ferns thrive in moist and shaded areas. Dig a hole wide and deep enough to spread out the roots comfortably. Position the fern so the crown (where the roots meet the fronds) is just at or slightly below ground level. Gently backfill with soil firmly around the roots, and thoroughly water to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch for weed control and to retain moisture, ensuring the mulch does not touch the crown. Water during dry periods is used to keep soil moist but not soggy. Avoid fertilizing in the first year, as ferns prefer nutrient-rich soil over direct fertilization.

Shipping date depends on the date displayed and chosen when you order from the product's page.

We only accept returns on plants verified dead. If you think your plants have died, we offer a 1 year warranty, please use this File a Claim Link to verify dead plants and start with return warranty process.

Versatile placement & adaptability
Shade tolerance & low-maintenance
Air purification & aesthetically pleasing
Walking Fern - TN Nursery
Walking FernBuy 1 + Get 2 Free Sale price$15.99

I recently added the Walking Fern from TN Nursery to my garden, and it’s thriving! Its unique spreading habit has created a beautiful ground cover in my shady areas.

Simon Adams, Verified Buyer

Zone 5

Adding the Walking Fern was a great decision. It’s spreading nicely and provides a beautiful, natural look to my shaded garden spaces.

Greta Sullivan, Verified Buyer

Zone 6

I love the Walking Fern I purchased. It’s hardy, easy to grow, and has transformed my shady garden areas with its lush, spreading foliage.

Charlotte Hayes, Verified Buyer

Zone 7

What We Ship

The Benefits of Bare Root Plants

Bare root plants are shipped without soil or pots, making them lightweight and easy to handle. They arrive dormant, ready to be planted and thrive as beautiful, healthy additions to your garden.

Cost-Effective

With no heavy pots or soil, you'll save 50-60% on shipping costs, and you can easily plant our plants yourself—no equipment needed, just a spade for digging small holes.

Hassle-Free

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Better Growth

Bareroot dormant plants are more hardy because they adapt better to new environments, with stronger root systems that establish quickly, leading to greater resilience and improved survival rates in various conditions.

Eco-Friendly

Bare root native plants are environmentally friendly because they promote biodiversity, require less water and maintenance, and support local ecosystems, making them a sustainable choice for eco-conscious gardening

Features
Why You Will Love This Walking Fern

Unique Propagation

The Walking Fern spreads by tip rooting, creating a lush, self-propagating ground cover, making it a fascinating addition to any garden.

Shade Tolerant

Thrives in shaded areas where many plants struggle, providing greenery in low-light spots.

Aesthetic Appeal

Features attractive, arching fronds that add a touch of elegance and natural beauty to shaded garden areas.

Low Maintenance

Requires minimal care once established, making it an excellent choice for busy gardeners.

Caring Tips

How do I care for my Walking Fern?

Each box contains detailed care instructions and information about your product. But here's the basics.

Care Tips

Walking Ferns thrive in well-draining, rich soil and benefit from consistent moisture. They are best suited for shaded, humid environments. Regularly water to keep the soil evenly moist and prune dead fronds to encourage healthy growth.

Light Requirements

Walking Fern thrives in partial to full shade, making it ideal for woodland gardens or shaded areas. It prefers indirect light and can tolerate deep shade, thriving in cool, moist environments with rich, humus-filled soil.

Hardy Planting Zones

5 • 6 • 7 • 8

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Customer Reviews

Based on 9 reviews
67%
(6)
22%
(2)
11%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
C
Carlos Morales
Not a 5 but a 4.5 stars

Received my box in perfect condition. I purchased 25 walking ferns and there were more like 35 in the bag. All green, beautiful, well packed and alive.

So why not a 5 rating? Actually I'd give it a 4.5 but there's no .5 in the survey. The ferns were quite small. Most of them the size of a quarter or a half dollar for the larger ones. From ordering, to delivery, to health of the plants everything was 5 stars. The ding was $85.00 for very, very small plants.

I ordered the 25 Bracken Ferns, I hope they are not this small when I receive them.

L
Leslie Ryan
Walking ferns

I was a little shocked at the tiny size of the plants. I lovingly planted them but just can’t believe they will survive the elements 🤔

L
LINDA AUFDERHAR

All arrived in good shape and were planted in pots immediately. I’m a happy camper.

J
June Mays
Smaller than expected but I was given 13 roots, not just the four I expected!

See above

M
Mary Dellaposta
Pleased

Just received my order a few days ago and all plants look like they were packaged well and in great condition. Looking forward to seeing them pop up next year or, maybe some will make an appearance yet this year? We have wooded property and was so happy to find someone with a great selection of woodland plants as we want to keep the area as natural as possible. I like the one year warranty on the plants and look forward to ordering again from TN Nursery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water my plants?

How do I know if my plant is getting too much or too little sunlight?

What should I do to prepare my plants for winter?

What are the signs that my plant needs fertilizing?

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