Contents
Description
Asplenium septentrionale, commonly known as the Northern Lady Fern, is a beautiful fern native to Northern Europe and Asia. It is a deciduous, perennial plant that grows up to 60cm in height and 30cm in width. The plant has a rhizomatous root system and produces long, erect fronds with a soft, feathery texture. The fronds have a triangular shape with multiple pinnate divisions, and they grow in an upright position. The Northern Lady Fern is a popular garden plant due to its attractive foliage and ease of care.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Kingdom| Phylum| Class| Order| Family| Genus|| ————- | ————- | ————-| ————-| ————-| ————-| ————-|| Eukaryota| Plantae| Polypodiophyta| Polypodiopsida| Polypodiales | Aspleniaceae| Asplenium|
Appearance
The Northern Lady Fern has a beautiful appearance that adds a natural charm to any garden. The plant produces long, narrow fronds that are soft and delicate to the touch. The fronds grow in an upright position, and they have multiple pinnate divisions that give them a triangular shape. The foliage is a vibrant green color that adds a bright contrast to any garden. The plant also has a rhizomatous root system that helps it spread and grow quickly.
Care Guide
The Northern Lady Fern is an easy plant to care for, making it a popular choice for gardeners of all levels. Here are some tips for keeping your Northern Lady Fern healthy:- Water: The plant prefers moist soil, so water it regularly to keep the soil damp but not saturated.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.- Soil: The plant prefers rich, well-draining soil. A mix of peat moss, sand, and loam is ideal.- Sunlight: The Northern Lady Fern prefers partial shade to full shade. Direct sunlight can burn the foliage.- Hardiness Zones: The plant grows well in hardiness zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Northern Lady Fern is generally not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, here are some issues to look out for:- Slugs and snails: These pests can cause damage to the foliage. Use slug bait or traps to control them.- Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing and wilting of the foliage. Use an insecticidal soap to control them.- Scale insects: These pests can cause discoloration and stunted growth. Use an insecticidal soap to control them.- Root rot: Overwatering or poorly-draining soil can cause root rot. Ensure proper drainage and do not overwater the plant.
Habitat
The Northern Lady Fern is native to Northern Europe and Asia, where it grows in moist, shaded areas such as woodlands, meadows, and mountain slopes. The plant prefers cool, damp environments and can tolerate cold temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Northern Lady Fern grow in full sun?
A: No, the plant prefers partial shade to full shade. Direct sunlight can burn the foliage.
Q: How often should I water my Northern Lady Fern?
A: Water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist but not saturated.
Q: Is the Northern Lady Fern susceptible to pests?
A: The plant is generally not susceptible to many pests or diseases, but slugs, snails, spider mites, and scale insects can cause issues.
Q: What is the ideal soil mix for the Northern Lady Fern?
A: The plant prefers rich, well-draining soil. A mix of peat moss, sand, and loam is ideal.
Related Plants
– Asplenium bulbiferum- Asplenium nidus- Asplenium scolopendrium- Asplenium trichomanes
References
– Royal Horticultural Society. (n.d.). Asplenium septentrionale. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/14344/Asplenium-septentrionale/Details- The Spruce. (2021). Northern Lady Fern: Plant Profile. Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/northern-lady-fern-profile-5077825- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Asplenium septentrionale. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286674&isprofile=0&preadj=0
