North American Walking Fern Asplenium rhizophyllum

Walking Fern is native to eastern Canada and central to eastern states of the U.S. It is a small, perennial, evergreen fern that is considered endangered or threatened in some northeastern states of the U.S.  It is found growing 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.  Walking Ferns sometimes, but less frequently, grow on fallen tree trunks.  It prefers light to dense shade, thin rocky soil, and areas sheltered from strong winds. This plant is characterized by narrow, smooth, elongated triangular-shaped, dark green frond blades that taper to a very slender tip.  The base of the blade has eared lobes on each side. Blade edges are slightly wavy and stems may be erect or ascending.  Fronds are highly variable in size on the same plant. Undersides are lighter green and contain spores that are released in summer or fall. The plant has a short rhizomatous crown and shallow fibrous roots.  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.  Floral-faunal relationships of this plant are not well understood.  Herbivore browsing is perhaps minimized due to its naturally inaccessible habitat.

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.