Asplenium scolopendrium
Hirschzunge
Common names: Hirschzungenfarn
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Description
The common name translates to "deer tongue" and refers to the plant’s unlobed, strap‑shaped fronds that resemble a tongue. It is a wintergreen fern that originates from shaded, calcareous forests. In the garden it thrives in moist, humus‑rich sites with a high lime content. The leathery, glossy fronds remain green throughout winter, providing structure in shady beds when many other plants have gone dormant. It grows upright, spreads slowly, and is well suited for rock gardens, wall cracks, and shaded borders under trees.
Care instructions
Plant in a semi‑shaded to shaded spot with loose, humus‑rich, lime‑rich soil. Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging; extra watering is appreciated during dry summer weeks. A mulch layer of leaf or bark compost retains moisture and supplies nutrients. Remove old, brown fronds in early spring before new growth, otherwise the fern requires little care. Repotting or division is rarely necessary because it grows slowly and compactly.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
moist, humus-rich, well-drained, lime-loving
Feeding
Light feeder
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