May 18, 2026
Ebony Spleenwort (Asplenium platyneuron), a small fern that is native to not only eastern North American but also southern Africa. It has a distinctive coloring of its central stem, extremely dark almost black, which gives the plant its common name. I often see it up here in the woods.
A fern with two different types of fronds. Sterile fronds, which are just 2 to 6 inches long with a slight arch. They are often found growing along the ground, and are evergreen. The other type are fertile fronds which appear in spring, growing to a height of 1 to 2 feet. These fronds are deciduous, dying off in winter after their spores are dispersed.
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2 responses to “A Small Fern, Ebony Spleenwort”
I thought of you when I saw one growing in a wall by the Episcopal Church in Williamsburg two weeks ago
Leigh
Oh Leigh! Thank you for thinking of me! And I must say, I’m so very happy that you got to Williamsburg. Our son spent his first 4 years of college there and totally loved it. And his Dad and I sure enjoyed visiting him there!! After a year to get his master’s degree at Brown, he moved on to Tucson, going to schoole there for 6 yrs. His dad and I had such great visiting destinations!
So glad you read my posts!
Bren