Maidenhair Spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes)

Family: Polypodiaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Asplenium trichomanes is an evergreen Fern growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, and the seeds ripen from May to October. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

The dried fronds have been used as a tea substitute. — The dried fronds have been used as a tea substitute.

Habitat & North American Range

Walls and crevices of mainly basic rocks. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)