Perennials
Asplenium × ebenoides
Dragontail fern
Also known as: Scott's spleenwort
Narrow, pointed green fronds arch from a compact evergreen clump. A small fern for sheltered shade. Grow in humus-rich soil; shelter from midday sun.
At a glance
- Sun
- Part shade to shade
- Mature size
- 4–20 in. tall × 4–20 in. wide
- Water
- Moist, well drained
- Hardiness
- RHS H4 (UK rating: −10 to −5°C; not a USDA-zone rating)
- Bloom
- Non-flowering fern.
Sizes & prices
- #1$18.99
Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.
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Resistance & tolerances
- Drought
- Some dry-shade tolerance after establishment.
- Wet soil
- Avoid waterlogged roots.
Native range
- Native range / parentage
- A naturally occurring hybrid recorded in Kentucky; nursery plants are not claimed to be locally sourced. Species native to Kentucky.
- Tristate native status
- A naturally occurring hybrid recorded in Kentucky; nursery plants are not claimed to be locally sourced.
Growing & care
- Pruning
- Remove damaged fronds as needed.
Sources & photo credits
Kew Science, Plants of the World Online
Photo: Nathan Aaron · CC BY 4.0
Image notes: Asplenium × ebenoides, Photo: Nathan Aaron, via Wikimedia Commons. Resized, uncropped; CC BY 4.0. species photograph.
Reviewed September 19, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.