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Petersen's-spleenwort

Deparia petersenii

Last reviewed: October 2026

Petersen's-spleenwort (Deparia petersenii)
Photo: P. J. de Lange / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Toxicity unknown

Petersen's-spleenwort (Deparia petersenii) 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

12"–24" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

N/A

Before you buy

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Petersen's-spleenwort is a fern that forms neat, compact clumps of delicate fronds. This deciduous fern dies back in winter but returns reliably each spring, making it excellent for shaded areas where few other plants thrive.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Petersen's-spleenwort 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: front yard, foundation, mid zone.

  • Goes completely dormant in winter leaving bare spots

Wildlife value

As a fern, it doesn't attract pollinators but provides shelter and nesting material for small wildlife. The fronds offer habitat for beneficial insects and spiders.

Common questions

How much sun does Petersen's-spleenwort need?
Petersen's-spleenwort grows best in part shade conditions.
Is Petersen's-spleenwort HOA-friendly?
Petersen's-spleenwort takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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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Ready to grow Petersen's-spleenwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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