Fall Ferns 2025

Maidenhair Spleenwort

Maidenhair Spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes) is the most common of the 4 Asplenium (spleenwort) ferns in our area. It is generally found on calcareous rock, often in the company of MacKay's Fragile Fern (Cystopteris tenuis). Although it can be found growing alone, like this plant, it can also grow in masses on rockfaces in the right conditions. It is sometimes initially confused with Ebony Spleenwort (Asplenium platyneuron), but there are differences to look for. Maidenhair Spleenwort has a more circular form like the Northern Maidenhair ferns (Adiantum pedatum), while the Ebony Spleenwort has fewer fronds with the longer fertile fronds pointing upward and the smaller sterile fronds horizontal or facing down. The pinnae or leaflets of the Maidenhair Spleenwort are oval, while the pinnae of the Ebony Spleenwort are more rectangular and similar to the stocking shape of the pinnae of the Christmas Fern.

Maidenhair Spleenwort is green year round, so it does fall into the Winter Fern list as well. It is one of about a dozen ferns we will see this Friday after Thanksgiving on our Mt Toby Fern & Tree Hike. Check out details on the calendar announcement. Meet at the Mt Toby parking lot off Reservation Rd in Sunderland at 1PM.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Posted: to PV Fern News on Mon, Nov 24, 2025
Updated: Mon, Nov 24, 2025