How much sun does Mountain Spleenwort need?

Mountain Spleenwort grows best in part shade conditions.

Where is Mountain Spleenwort native?

Mountain Spleenwort (Asplenium montanum) is native to AL, CT, GA, IN and 16 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Mountain Spleenwort HOA-friendly?

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

Mountain Spleenwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Asplenium montanum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Mountain Spleenwort (Asplenium montanum) 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 × 3"–8" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, CT, GA, IN and 16 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

Piedmont Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Eastern Temperate Forests Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau

Mountain spleenwort is a small, delicate evergreen fern that forms compact clumps in shaded areas. Its fine-textured, dark green fronds create an elegant groundcover that stays attractive year-round. This native fern thrives in rocky or well-draining soils and requires minimal care once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Mountain 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 for small insects and adds to the structural diversity that supports woodland ecosystems.

Common questions

How much sun does Mountain Spleenwort need?: Mountain Spleenwort grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Mountain Spleenwort native?: Mountain Spleenwort (Asplenium montanum) is native to AL, CT, GA, IN and 16 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Mountain Spleenwort HOA-friendly?: Mountain 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.

See all plant problem guides

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