Hart's-tongue Fern

Scientific Name: 
Phyllitis scolopendrium

Hart's-tongue Fern is a medium-sized fern that can be found growing in damp, shady gorges and banks in woodlands, as well as on rocks, walls and mossy branches. They are hardy plants and are ideal for gardens; plant them in shade under trees or on walls or gravelly areas for attractive cover all year-round.

How to identify: 
Hart's-tongue Fern is a very simple fern, the frond being just a single glossy, green blade, with spores underneath.
Where to find it: 
Widespread.
How people can help: 

Our gardens are a vital resource for local wildlife, providing corridors of green space between open countryside, allowing species to move about. In fact, the UK's gardens provide more space for nature than all the National Nature Reserves put together. So why not try planting native plants and trees to encourage birds, mammals and invertebrates into your backyard? To find out more about wildlife-friendly gardening, visit our Wild About Gardens website: a joint initiative with the RHS, there's plenty of facts and tips to get you started.

Statistics: 
Height: up to 60cm
Conservation status: 
Common.
Did you know?: 
The Hart's-tongue Fern gets its name because it apparently looks like the tongue of a deer
Seasons: 
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
When to see
Start date: 
January
End date: 
December
Image: 
Hart's-tongue  - Paul Lane