Asplenium Pinnatifidum Access

: Unlike the Walking Fern, which has smooth-edged (entire) leaves, the Lobed Spleenwort has distinct lobes along the entire length of its frond.

While nowhere is it "common," the Lobed Spleenwort is most prevalent in the Appalachian region . It has also been documented in: Asplenium - In Defense of Plants

: It typically grows in small, dense clusters directly out of cracks in shaded, damp rock faces. Where to Find It asplenium pinnatifidum

The ( Asplenium pinnatifidum ) is a small, evergreen fern that primarily inhabits the crevices of non-calcareous rocks, such as sandstone and shale, across the Appalachian Mountains and into the Midwest. Often overlooked by casual hikers, this rare plant is a fascinating example of evolutionary biology in action, representing a stable, fertile hybrid species. A Hybrid Origin

( Asplenium montanum ): Contributes the deeply lobed leaf structure. : Unlike the Walking Fern, which has smooth-edged

Distinguishing it from its parents requires a close look at the fronds:

: It remains green year-round, making it easier to spot on rocky outcrops during the winter months. Where to Find It The ( Asplenium pinnatifidum

( Asplenium rhizophyllum ): Contributes the long, tapering frond tips.