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

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

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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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.

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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