How to Grow and Care for Ebony spleenwort

Ebony spleenwort is a small, evergreen fern with a distinctive dark, shiny stem that contrasts with its lighter green, glossy sterile fronds. These sterile fronds have a tendency to arch slightly or even lie flat on the ground, and can grow up to 30 centimeters (about 12 inches) long. In contrast, the fertile fronds are erect, deeper green, and deciduous, often reaching heights of 20 to 40 centimeters (8 to 16 inches). Both types of fronds emerge from a central rhizome, but only the fertile ones bear sori containing spores beneath their surface. Characteristic of ebony spleenwort are the pale, button-like buds found on the upper side of the lowest leaflets of the fronds, aiding in vegetative propagation.