How much sun does Northern Adderstongue need?

Northern Adderstongue grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Northern Adderstongue bloom?

Northern Adderstongue blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Northern Adderstongue native?

Northern Adderstongue (Ophioglossum pusillum) is native to CA, CT, DE, IA and 26 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Northern Adderstongue HOA-friendly?

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

Northern Adderstongue

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ophioglossum pusillum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Northern Adderstongue (Ophioglossum pusillum) 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"–6" H × 1"–3" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, CT, DE, IA and 26 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

Northwestern Great Plains Great Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Forests Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Central Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Piedmont Interior River Valleys and Hills Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Northern adderstongue is a tiny, uncommon native fern that grows just a few inches tall in shaded woodland areas. This diminutive plant produces a single small leaf and a distinctive spore-bearing stalk that resembles a small tongue or spike.

In an HOA neighborhood

Northern 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 easily overlooked
May appear as weeds or bare spots
Very uncommon and unfamiliar to most people

Wildlife value

As a fern, this species does not attract pollinators but may provide minor habitat value for small woodland creatures and soil invertebrates.

Common questions

How much sun does Northern Adderstongue need?: Northern Adderstongue grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Northern Adderstongue bloom?: Northern Adderstongue blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Northern Adderstongue native?: Northern Adderstongue (Ophioglossum pusillum) is native to CA, CT, DE, IA and 26 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Northern Adderstongue HOA-friendly?: Northern 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 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

Ready to grow Northern Adderstongue? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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