Leathery grapefern
Sceptridium multifidum · Ophioglossaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant leathery grapefern: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Plant type
- Primitive fern
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Adult size
- 15 to 30 cm in height
- Growth
- Slow
- Hardiness
- Hardy (zone 4-8)
- Origin
- North America, temperate regions
- Natural habitat
- Moist forests, shaded areas
Care
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist without waterlogging. This primitive fern appreciates shaded and cool conditions. Water regularly during the growing period, particularly in spring and summer. Reduce watering slightly in winter after dormancy.
Light exposure
Place your adder's tongue in partial to full shade. This fern hates direct sun which quickly dries out its delicate foliage. It thrives under forest cover or in a shaded corner of your garden, away from scorching exposures.
Soil
Prepare a substrate rich in organic matter, acidic to neutral, well-draining yet moisture-retentive. A mixture of peat-potting soil-sand works perfectly. Incorporate compost or fallen leaves to gradually enrich the soil.
Pruning
No pruning is necessary. Simply remove dried or damaged fronds in spring before new growth appears. Let the plant develop naturally according to its particular shape.
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced, highly diluted fertilizer once or twice in spring. Primitive ferns are not heavy feeders; an annual compost application is usually sufficient. Prefer organic amendments to synthetic fertilizers.
Diseases and pests
The adder's tongue is not very susceptible to pests but fears stagnant excess moisture which promotes rot. Avoid watering the foliage overhead. Occasionally check for mechanical damage on the delicate fronds.
Did you know?
Sceptridium multifidum is a living fossil fern: it's one of the most primitive ferns in North America, virtually unchanged for millions of years. Its name 'adder's tongue' comes from Greek and literally means 'bunch,' referring to its sporangia grouped in particular structures. This discreet plant is a true living relic from the dinosaur era, connecting our time to the great carboniferous forests of the distant past.
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
- Adder's tongueOphioglossum vulgatum
- Botrypus virginianusBotrypus virginianus
- Cut-leaved GrapefernSceptridium dissectum
- Least Adder's-tongueOphioglossum lusitanicum
- Lanceleaf grapefernBotrychium lanceolatum
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.