Adder's tongue
Ophioglossum vulgatum · Ophioglossaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant adder's tongue: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Ophioglossaceae
- Type
- Fern
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Adult size
- 10 to 30 cm in height
- Growth
- Slow
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -15°C)
- Origin
- Europe, Asia, North Africa
- Natural habitat
- Damp meadows, alkaline soils
Care
Watering
Adder's-tongue fern appreciates slightly moist but well-drained soil. Water regularly during the growing season (spring-summer) to maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Reduce watering in winter during the dormant period.
Light
Position this fern in partial shade or filtered light. It naturally develops in semi-shaded grassy environments and tolerates direct sun poorly, as it dries out its small foliage.
Soil
This fern loves humus-rich, loamy to clayey soils, with a preference for neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Enrich the substrate with well-decomposed compost when planting.
Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer application in spring is sufficient. Avoid excess: this primitive fern has moderate nutritional needs. An annual organic mulch replaces chemical fertilizer effectively.
Pruning and maintenance
No pruning is necessary. Simply remove dead or damaged fronds in spring. Leave dry fronds during winter to protect the rhizome.
Diseases and pests
Very hardy and rarely affected. Avoid stagnant moisture which would promote rhizome rot. Indoors, ventilate regularly to prevent any fungal development.
Did you know?
Adder's-tongue fern is an extraordinary primitive fern: it possesses an unchanged morphology for over 100 million years, making it a true living fossil. Its name "Ophioglossum" means "serpent's tongue" in Greek, referring to its elongated, sinuous spike of sporangia that resembles a small forked tongue.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- MoonwortBotrychium lunaria
- Botrypus virginianusBotrypus virginianus
- Leathery grapefernSceptridium multifidum
- Cut-leaved GrapefernSceptridium dissectum
- Least Adder's-tongueOphioglossum lusitanicum
- Lanceleaf grapefernBotrychium lanceolatum
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.