Asplenium platyneuron (ebony spleenwort)

This tiny evergreen fern is easy to grow and prefers dry, shady conditions.  Soils can be loamy, organic matter, or rocky, provided they are generally well-drained and the shade can be full, partial, or dappled.  The narrow, glossy fronds will stay under 2' in height and taper at both ends.  This species is drought-tolerant and resistant to deer and heavy shade conditions.  It has a wide distribution across most of the eastern North America as well as parts of Africa.

BONAP Native Range Map (bright green indicates county native, dark green indicates state native).