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Description
Ophioglossum Vulgatum, commonly known as the common adder’s-tongue, is a fern that belongs to the family Ophioglossaceae. This plant is native to Europe and North America, and it typically grows in damp or wet meadows, bogs, and woods. The common adder’s-tongue is a small fern that can reach heights of up to 30cm.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pteridophyta |
| Class | Ophioglossopsida |
| Order | Ophioglossales |
| Family | Ophioglossaceae |
| Genus | Ophioglossum |
Appearance
The common adder’s-tongue has a single frond that is broadly lanceolate in shape. The frond is divided into two parts, a sterile green blade and a fertile spike. The blade can be up to 20cm long and 5cm wide and is usually hairless. The spike is cylindrical and can reach lengths of up to 15cm. The fertile spike is green at first but later turns brown as the spores mature.
Care Guide
The common adder’s-tongue is a hardy plant that requires little maintenance. However, it does require specific growing conditions to thrive.
- Water: The common adder’s-tongue prefers damp or wet soil, so it requires regular watering. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: The common adder’s-tongue does not require fertilization.
- Soil: The common adder’s-tongue prefers acidic, humus-rich soil that is well-drained.
- Sunlight: The common adder’s-tongue prefers partial shade and does not do well in direct sunlight.
- Hardiness Zones: The common adder’s-tongue is hardy to USDA zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The common adder’s-tongue is relatively disease and pest-free. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases if the soil is too wet or poorly drained.
Habitat
The common adder’s-tongue is native to Europe and North America, where it typically grows in damp or wet meadows, bogs, and woods. This plant prefers acidic, humus-rich soil that is well-drained. The common adder’s-tongue is hardy to USDA zones 4 to 8.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the common adder’s-tongue an invasive species?
A: No, the common adder’s-tongue is not considered an invasive species.
Q: Does the common adder’s-tongue have any medicinal properties?
A: No, there is no evidence to suggest that the common adder’s-tongue has any medicinal properties.
Q: Can the common adder’s-tongue be grown indoors?
A: No, the common adder’s-tongue is a plant that requires specific growing conditions and is best grown outdoors.
Q: Can the common adder’s-tongue be propagated from spores?
A: Yes, the common adder’s-tongue can be propagated from spores.
Related Plants
- Ophioglossum reticulatum
- Ophioglossum engelmannii
- Ophioglossum lusitanicum
- Ophioglossum azoricum
References
- Flora of North America North of Mexico (1993). Ophioglossaceae.
- Missouri Botanical Garden. Ophioglossum vulgatum.
- RHS Gardening. Ophioglossum vulgatum.
