How much sun does Ebony Spleenwort need?

Ebony Spleenwort grows best in part shade conditions.

Where is Ebony Spleenwort native?

Ebony Spleenwort (Asplenium platyneuron) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CO and 34 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Ebony Spleenwort HOA-friendly?

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

Ebony Spleenwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Asplenium platyneuron

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Ebony Spleenwort (Asplenium platyneuron) 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"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CO and 34 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

Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Cross Timbers East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Piedmont Western Corn Belt Plains Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Northern Forests Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Ebony spleenwort is a small, elegant native fern with dark, glossy stems and delicate evergreen fronds. This compact fern forms neat clumps that stay attractive year-round in shaded areas. It thrives in partial shade with moderate moisture and requires minimal care once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Ebony 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, this plant does not attract pollinators but provides habitat structure for small insects and wildlife. The evergreen fronds offer year-round shelter for beneficial insects in shaded garden areas.

Common questions

How much sun does Ebony Spleenwort need?: Ebony Spleenwort grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Ebony Spleenwort native?: Ebony Spleenwort (Asplenium platyneuron) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CO and 34 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Ebony Spleenwort HOA-friendly?: Ebony Spleenwort is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

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 Ebony Spleenwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz