How much sun does Bradley's Spleenwort need?

Bradley's Spleenwort grows best in part shade conditions.

Where is Bradley's Spleenwort native?

Bradley's Spleenwort (Asplenium bradleyi) is native to AL, AR, GA, IL and 15 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Bradley's Spleenwort HOA-friendly?

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

Bradley's Spleenwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Asplenium bradleyi

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Bradley's Spleenwort (Asplenium bradleyi) 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 × 3"–8" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, AR, GA, IL and 15 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

Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Piedmont Northern Piedmont Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Interior River Valleys and Hills

Bradley's spleenwort is a small, evergreen fern that forms neat clumps in shaded areas. It grows slowly and maintains a compact, tidy appearance year-round with delicate, divided fronds.

In an HOA neighborhood

Bradley's 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 produce flowers or attract pollinators, but provides shelter for small insects and adds structural diversity to native plant communities.

Common questions

How much sun does Bradley's Spleenwort need?: Bradley's Spleenwort grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Bradley's Spleenwort native?: Bradley's Spleenwort (Asplenium bradleyi) is native to AL, AR, GA, IL and 15 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Bradley's Spleenwort HOA-friendly?: Bradley's 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

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