North American Walking Fern Asplenium rhizophyllum

Walking Fern is native to eastern North America. It is a small, evergreen herbaceous perennial in the Spleenwort family (Aspleniaceae). Walking fern grows in tufts in moist, shady, rocky cliffs, mossy rocks, and near streams or ravines. It often grows on basic limestone rocks but is sometimes also found on sandstone or other acidic rocks. It also grows on fallen tree trunks. The species epithet means “root-leaf” and refers to this fern’s mode of vegetative reproduction.

Walking Fern prefers light to dense shade, thin rocky soil, and areas sheltered from strong winds. It requires abundant moisture and high humidity.

The plant has a short rhizomatous crown and shallow fibrous roots. The leaves have a  narrow or elongated, triangular shape that taper to a very slender tip. Fronds are highly variable in size on the same plant. Undersides are lighter green than the dark green upper sides. It reproduces through spore dispersal and also propagates vegetatively. Frond tips root where they touch moist soil, forming colonies of new ferns around the parent plant and thereby “walking” in slow motion. It is considered endangered or threatened in a few U.S. states where it is near the edge of its range, including North Carolina. 

This species is suitable for shady woodlands, native plant gardens, and areas around water features, where the humidity remains high.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant problems:  Does not tolerate prolonged drought.  May be susceptible to slugs, snails and some species of aphids.

VIDEO Created by NC State Extension's Homegrown series featuring Mark Weathington, Director of JC Raulston Arboretum.