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Adder's-tongue

Ophioglossum vulgatum

Last reviewed: July 2026

Adder's-tongue (Ophioglossum vulgatum)
Photo: (c) Roman, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Roman

Toxicity unknown

Adder's-tongue (Ophioglossum vulgatum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 29 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

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Adder's-tongue is a small, unusual native fern with a single leaf and distinctive spore-bearing spike. This uncommon woodland species grows slowly in moist, shaded areas and often goes dormant by midsummer. It's more of a botanical curiosity than a typical landscape plant.

In an HOA neighborhood

Adder's-tongue takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Disappears completely when dormant
  • Too small and inconspicuous for most landscaping
  • Can look like weeds or be mistaken for dying plants

Wildlife value

This fern provides minimal direct wildlife value as it doesn't flower or produce nectar for pollinators. It may offer some habitat for small soil invertebrates in woodland settings.

Common questions

How much sun does Adder's-tongue need?
Adder's-tongue grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Adder's-tongue bloom?
Adder's-tongue blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Adder's-tongue native?
Adder's-tongue (Ophioglossum vulgatum) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 29 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Adder's-tongue HOA-friendly?
Adder's-tongue takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Adder's-tongue? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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