Petersen's-spleenwort
Deparia petersenii
Last reviewed: August 2026
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
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 areaPetersen'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.
In an HOA neighborhood
Petersen's-spleenwort is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
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 is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Petersen's-spleenwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz