Mother Spleenwort
(Asplenium bulbiferum)
Mother Spleenwort (Asplenium bulbiferum)
/
/
MurielBendel
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
MurielBendel
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: MurielBendel | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: MurielBendel | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Asplenium_bulbiferum_Ulva_Island_1.JPG | Notes: {{BotMoveToCommons|en.wikipedia|year={{subst:CURRENTYEAR}}|month={{subst:CURRENTMONTHNAME}}|day={{subst:CURRENTDAY}}}} == {{int:filedesc}} == {{Information |description={{en|1=A picture of the bark of Betula lenta.}} |date=June 6, 2009 |source=I cre
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Asplenium bulbiferum, commonly known as Mother Spleenwort or Hen and Chicken Fern, and in the Māori language as pikopiko, mouku, or mauku, is a perennial herbaceous fern native to the moist, shaded forest floors and gullies of New Zealand, including the North Island, South Island, and nearby islands. It is a semi-evergreen fern that typically grows to a height of 30-45 cm (12-18 inches) with a similar spread. The fern is characterized by its lush green, arching fronds that bear small bulbils on their upper surface. These bulbils, once mature, can fall off and grow into new ferns, making the plant easy to propagate. The fronds are also edible and are consumed as a vegetable in some cultures.
Mother Spleenwort is valued for its ease of maintenance and its ability to reproduce through bulbils, which is a simpler alternative to spore propagation. It is often used in shaded garden areas, as ground cover, or in container plantings. This fern prefers moist, well-drained soil and thrives in part shade to full shade conditions. While it can tolerate some sunlight, too much can scorch the fronds. It requires consistent moisture but is relatively drought-tolerant once established. In terms of potential problems, it can be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs.CC BY-SA 4.0
Mother Spleenwort is valued for its ease of maintenance and its ability to reproduce through bulbils, which is a simpler alternative to spore propagation. It is often used in shaded garden areas, as ground cover, or in container plantings. This fern prefers moist, well-drained soil and thrives in part shade to full shade conditions. While it can tolerate some sunlight, too much can scorch the fronds. It requires consistent moisture but is relatively drought-tolerant once established. In terms of potential problems, it can be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Fern
- Height: 3-4 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Potted Plant, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Moist, shaded forest floors and gullies of New Zealand
Other Names
Common Names: Parsley Fern , Mother Spleenwort , Mother Fern , Hen-And-Chickens , Groddbräken
Scientific Names: Asplenium bulbiferum , Asplenium bulbiferum var. minimum , Asplenium bulbiferum var. normale , Asplenium bulbiferum var. pinnatum
GBIF Accepted Name: Asplenium bulbiferum G.Forst.