How much sun does Longstem Adderstongue need?

Longstem Adderstongue grows best in part shade conditions.

Where is Longstem Adderstongue native?

Longstem Adderstongue (Ophioglossum petiolatum) is native to NC, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Longstem Adderstongue HOA-friendly?

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

Longstem Adderstongue

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ophioglossum petiolatum

Last reviewed: October 2026

Toxicity unknown

Longstem Adderstongue (Ophioglossum petiolatum) 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 × 2"–6" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

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Longstem adderstongue is a small, uncommon native fern that produces a single leaf and a separate fertile spike during growing season. This diminutive woodland species prefers consistently moist, shaded areas and may go dormant during dry periods.

In an HOA neighborhood

Longstem Adderstongue 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 sparse appearance
May disappear entirely during dormancy
Too subtle for typical landscaping expectations

Wildlife value

As a fern, this species does not produce flowers or attract pollinators but may provide minor habitat value for small woodland creatures.

Common questions

How much sun does Longstem Adderstongue need?: Longstem Adderstongue grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Longstem Adderstongue native?: Longstem Adderstongue (Ophioglossum petiolatum) is native to NC, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Longstem Adderstongue HOA-friendly?: Longstem Adderstongue 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 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.

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