Walking Fern - 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

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

Height at Maturity

Under 2 Feet

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

Walking Fern spreads by producing new plants from leaf tips

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Fern Rhizomes

Bare root fern rhizomes are easy to plant and bring lush, woodland beauty to shaded or partially shaded areas. To begin, soak the rhizomes in water for 1–2 hours before planting to help rehydrate them. Choose a planting site with rich, well-draining soil high in organic matter. Ferns thrive in moisture-retentive soil, so amending with compost or leaf mold is ideal.

Dig a shallow hole wide enough to spread the rhizome out horizontally, and place it just below the soil surface with the growing tips (or “eyes”) facing upward. Cover lightly with soil, press gently, and water thoroughly. Keep the soil evenly moist—never dry or soggy—while the fern establishes.

Mulch with leaf litter or pine needles to conserve moisture and mimic the fern’s natural habitat. Avoid direct sunlight, as most native ferns prefer cool, shaded conditions. With patience and proper care, the rhizomes will send up new fronds and form a graceful, low-maintenance colony that returns year after year.

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