Walking Fern

Walking Fern For Sale - Asplenium Rhizophyllum

The Walking Fern 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 Plant (Asplenium Rhizophyllum)

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

Walking Fern - Evergreen, Spreads Vegetatively

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 Plants

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.

Characteristics of Walking Fern Plants

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 the Walking Fern online at TN Nursery. For 68 years, we have served the landscaping industry and homeowners with specimen plants.