Green Spleenwort
Asplenium viride
Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown
Green Spleenwort (Asplenium viride) 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
2"–12" H × 2"–8" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
CA, CO, ID, ME and 11 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 areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Green spleenwort is a delicate, small evergreen fern that forms neat clumps of bright green fronds. This compact native fern stays low to the ground and maintains its attractive appearance year-round in shaded areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Green Spleenwort is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.
Wildlife value
Ferns do not produce flowers or attract pollinators, but they provide shelter and habitat for small insects and spiders. The evergreen fronds offer winter cover for beneficial garden creatures.
Common questions
- How much sun does Green Spleenwort need?
- Green Spleenwort grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Green Spleenwort bloom?
- Green Spleenwort blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Where is Green Spleenwort native?
- Green Spleenwort (Asplenium viride) is native to CA, CO, ID, ME and 11 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Green Spleenwort HOA-friendly?
- Green 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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Green Spleenwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz