How to Grow and Care for Adder's-tongue ferns

Another name for southern Adder's-tongue (Ophioglossum vulgatum) is snake’s tongue or viper’s tongue. That’s because it looks uncannily like the tongue of a serpent. Although it’s considered a fern, it doesn’t look like any other fern on earth. In medieval times, witches were reputed to use the plant in rituals to stop gossipers from gossiping.

Ophioglossum engelmannii is a small, low-growing perennial that is native to the southern parts of North America, as well as Central America. As implied in its common name, limestone adder's-tongue, it is generally found growing in limestone habitats.

Ophioglossum lusitanicum is a small winter annual fern, and consists of a simple sterile blade attached to a spike-like fertile blade with between three and eight sunken sporangia on either side. The whole plant rarely exceeds a height of 2 cm.

Ophioglossum pusillum is a small, inconspicuous, fleshy perennial plant growing from a caudex no more than 3 centimeters wide. It produces one leaf per year. The leaf is divided into a thin, pale green blade-shaped part, which is sterile, and a fertile stalk lined with two rows of sporangia.

Ophioglossum coriaceum is a distinctive fern with a leathery texture, thriving in warm, humid environments. It possesses a singular, simple frond that splits into a fertile spike for spore production and an unfertile, leafy portion – a unique division that enhances its survival in shaded undergrowth. The glossy green hue and sturdy nature reflect an adaptation to areas with intense precipitation and limited sunlight.