Asplenium trichomanes

Maidenhair Spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes) is a small evergreen fern with short, upright fronds of dark green leaflets on wiry black stems. It forms tight clumps about 6–12 inches tall and wide. In nature it grows on shady limestone cliffs and in rock crevices; in gardens it does best in part to full shade with sharp drainage. It adapts to a range of soils—from acidic to limestone-rich—but avoid spots that stay wet or become waterlogged. It is very cold hardy and deer resistant. Once established, it tolerates dry shade and short dry spells.

Plant in well-drained soil or tuck into cracks in rock walls, between stones, in troughs, or at the edge of containers. Water regularly the first season to establish, then water during extended dry periods. Growth is slow but steady. In late winter to early spring, trim away old fronds as new growth begins to keep the clumps tidy. Feeding is rarely needed; a light layer of leaf mold or compost in fall mimics woodland conditions.

Use it at the front of borders and along paths, as edging, or massed as a low, fine-textured ground layer. It’s a natural fit for rock gardens, stone walls, containers, and woodland or naturalized plantings. Its small scale and evergreen foliage add year-round texture without overwhelming nearby plants, and it pairs well with other small, shade-loving companions.