How much sun does Limestone Adder's-tongue need?

Limestone Adder's-tongue grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Limestone Adder's-tongue bloom?

Limestone Adder's-tongue blooms in May and June.

Where is Limestone Adder's-tongue native?

Limestone Adder's-tongue (Ophioglossum engelmannii) is native to AL, AR, AZ, FL and 18 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Limestone Adder's-tongue HOA-friendly?

Limestone Adder's-tongue takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Limestone Adder's-tongue

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ophioglossum engelmannii

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

2"–8" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, FL and 18 more states

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

Limestone adder's-tongue is a tiny, unusual fern that produces a single small leaf and a distinctive spore-bearing stalk in late spring. This diminutive native grows only 2-8 inches tall and prefers partially shaded areas with consistent moisture. It goes completely dormant in summer, disappearing until the following spring.

In an HOA neighborhood

Limestone Adder's-tongue 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.

Extremely small and can appear as weeds
Completely dormant most of growing season
May be mistaken for lawn weeds when present

Wildlife value

As a fern, this species does not attract pollinators but provides habitat for small soil organisms and adds to native plant diversity in woodland gardens.

Common questions

How much sun does Limestone Adder's-tongue need?: Limestone Adder's-tongue grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Limestone Adder's-tongue bloom?: Limestone Adder's-tongue blooms in May and June.
Where is Limestone Adder's-tongue native?: Limestone Adder's-tongue (Ophioglossum engelmannii) is native to AL, AR, AZ, FL and 18 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Limestone Adder's-tongue HOA-friendly?: Limestone Adder's-tongue 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Limestone Adder's-tongue? 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

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