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Silver False Spleenwort

Deparia acrostichoides

Last reviewed: August 2026

Silver False Spleenwort (Deparia acrostichoides)
Photo: (c) Jason Hollinger, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Silver False Spleenwort (Deparia acrostichoides) 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"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE 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.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Eastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Valley Loess PlainsAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Silver false spleenwort is a fern that forms neat, upright clumps of silvery-green fronds. It thrives in partial shade with consistent moisture and provides excellent texture for woodland gardens and shaded borders.

In an HOA neighborhood

Silver False Spleenwort is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.

  • Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots

Wildlife value

This fern provides habitat and shelter for small wildlife and insects. The dense fronds offer nesting material for birds and cover for beneficial ground-dwelling creatures.

Common questions

How much sun does Silver False Spleenwort need?
Silver False Spleenwort grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Silver False Spleenwort native?
Silver False Spleenwort (Deparia acrostichoides) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 26 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Silver False Spleenwort HOA-friendly?
Silver False Spleenwort is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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 Silver False Spleenwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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