How much sun does Forked Spleenwort need?

Forked Spleenwort grows best in part shade conditions.

Where is Forked Spleenwort native?

Forked Spleenwort (Asplenium septentrionale) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 8 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Forked Spleenwort HOA-friendly?

Forked Spleenwort takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Forked Spleenwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Asplenium septentrionale

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Forked Spleenwort (Asplenium septentrionale) 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

low

Size

4"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 8 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

Southern Rockies North American Deserts Arizona/New Mexico Mountains High Plains Southwestern Tablelands

Forked spleenwort is a delicate, small evergreen fern that forms compact clumps of narrow, fork-shaped fronds. This hardy native thrives in rocky crevices and well-draining soils with minimal water once established. Its fine texture and low growth habit make it perfect for rock gardens and shaded borders.

In an HOA neighborhood

Forked Spleenwort 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.

Very small size makes it barely visible in landscapes
Unusual appearance may be mistaken for weeds
Too delicate and uncommon for typical front yard expectations

Wildlife value

As a fern, this plant doesn't attract pollinators but provides habitat for small insects and spiders. The evergreen fronds offer year-round shelter for tiny creatures in garden ecosystems.

Common questions

How much sun does Forked Spleenwort need?: Forked Spleenwort grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Forked Spleenwort native?: Forked Spleenwort (Asplenium septentrionale) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 8 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Forked Spleenwort HOA-friendly?: Forked Spleenwort 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 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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