How much sun does Blackstem Spleenwort need?

Blackstem Spleenwort grows best in part shade conditions.

Where is Blackstem Spleenwort native?

Blackstem Spleenwort (Asplenium resiliens) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CO and 23 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Blackstem Spleenwort HOA-friendly?

Blackstem Spleenwort is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Blackstem Spleenwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Asplenium resiliens

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Blackstem Spleenwort (Asplenium resiliens) 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

6"–18" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CO and 23 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

North American Deserts Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts Central Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Southern Coastal Plain Madrean Archipelago

Blackstem spleenwort is a small, evergreen fern that forms neat clumps of dark green fronds with distinctive black stems. This hardy native fern thrives in partial shade and works well as a low-maintenance groundcover or accent plant in shaded gardens.

In an HOA neighborhood

Blackstem Spleenwort is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.

Wildlife value

As a fern, it does not attract pollinators but provides shelter and habitat for small wildlife. The evergreen fronds offer year-round cover for insects and small creatures in shaded garden areas.

Common questions

How much sun does Blackstem Spleenwort need?: Blackstem Spleenwort grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Blackstem Spleenwort native?: Blackstem Spleenwort (Asplenium resiliens) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CO and 23 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Blackstem Spleenwort HOA-friendly?: Blackstem Spleenwort is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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 Blackstem Spleenwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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