Linear fronds with 15-30 pairs of dark green pinnae are borne on slender glossy brownish-black stipes. The minutely stalked pinnae are usually asymmetric rounded oblongs with variably toothed edges. Aging fronds shed their pinnae over time while building up a persistent tuft of leafless stipes below the current year's fronds. Colonies of maidenhair spleenwort usually grow in fissures where small moss and humus accumulations provide a moisture retentive yet well drained and aerated root run. Although these rocky denizens may occur on a southerly slope they are always situated out of the direct sun, and we have found that they prefer slightly acid soils.  Excessive soil splashing can cake on the fronds and inhibit their growth, so make sure that the soil around them is secured in place with rocks, moss, or dense forest loam that resists splattering.

Frond Condition:  Evergreen
Mature Height:  6-12"
Origin:  Pacific Northwestern U.S.
Requirements:  Some Shade, Partly Shaded, Full Shade, Evenly Moist, Slightly Moist
USDA Zones:  5, 6, 7, 8, 9