Hart's Tongue Fern Asplenium scolopendrium 'Kaye's Lacerated'
ABOUT
Kaye's Lacerated is a variant of the Harts Tongue fern, known for its unique and attractive foliage. This plant features shiny, strap-shaped fronds that are deeply cut, giving them a distinctive and almost frilly appearance. Each frond has a central, undulating rachis from which the leafy blade unfurls, resembling a series of lacerations or cuts along the edges which enhance its decorative look. The rich green color of the fronds adds a lush, vibrant feel to any setting in which the plant is placed. Because this fern typically thrives in shady areas, its glossy leaves often provide a stand-out texture and form in low-light conditions, making it a favorite among shade garden enthusiasts. The overall appearance of Kaye's Lacerated is one of elegance and intricacy, with fronds that seem to add a sense of movement and interest due to their uniquely serrated edges.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Aspleniaceae
Synonyms
Hart's Tongue Fern, Kaye's Lacerated Spleenwort, Kaye's Lacerated Hart's Tongue
Common names
Phyllitis scolopendrium (L.) Newman, Asplenium scolopendrium var. scolopendrium.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Hart's Tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium 'Kaye's Lacerated') is not considered toxic to humans. Therefore, ingestion of this fern typically does not lead to poisoning or cause harmful symptoms.
To pets
Hart's Tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium 'Kaye's Lacerated') is also not toxic to pets. It should not cause any harmful effects if ingested by animals such as cats or dogs.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to care for: Asplenium scolopendrium 'Kaye's Lacerated', commonly known as Hart's Tongue Fern, is relatively low maintenance and can thrive in various conditions with minimal care.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, Hart's Tongue Fern tolerates periods of dryness, making it suitable for gardeners with less consistent watering schedules.
- Shade-loving: This plant is an excellent choice for shaded to partially shaded areas in gardens, where other plants might struggle.
- Evergreen: Hart's Tongue Fern provides year-round greenery, which adds color and life to gardens even in the dormant seasons.
- Soil stabilization: With its robust root system, Hart's Tongue Fern can help prevent soil erosion in sloped areas or where ground stabilization is needed.
- Ornamental appeal: Its unique lacerated fronds offer architectural and textural interest, making it a visually appealing addition to shade gardens, woodland settings, and terrariums.
- Versatile placement: Hart's Tongue Fern is suitable for various garden styles, including perennial borders, rock gardens, or as an understory plant in larger landscaping.
- Non-invasive: Unlike some other fern varieties, Hart's Tongue Fern is not aggressive or invasive, making it a good garden citizen that won't overtake other plants.
- Wildlife habitat: Provides shelter and habitat for small wildlife, such as insects and amphibians, which can be beneficial for garden ecology.
- Enhances biodiversity: By including native plants like Hart's Tongue Fern, gardeners can contribute to the preservation of local flora and promote biodiversity.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- This variation of Hart's Tongue Fern can be employed in art projects or botanical illustration for its unique and intricate leaf shapes, providing interesting textures and focal points for artists seeking natural subjects with character.
- It can be used in terrariums or bottle gardens because of its ability to thrive in the humid, enclosed environments which can create a miniature forest-like display.
- Hart's Tongue Fern sometimes serves as a natural barometer since the leaves tend to curl when the air becomes dry, signaling a change in environmental conditions.
- It is often used in educational settings to teach about fern reproduction, by demonstrating the spore patterns on the undersides of the fronds.
- Given its resistance to deer and rabbit browsing, this plant can be used to create garden areas less likely to be damaged by local wildlife.
- The fern can be a part of a sensory garden designed for visually impaired individuals, providing a distinct tactile experience with its ribbed and textured fronds.
- Because it can grow on alkaline surfaces, including limestone, Hart's Tongue Fern is sometimes used in the rehabilitation of quarry sites or other disturbed lands with similar soil chemistry.
- It can be a natural method for gardeners to identify acidic soils, as this fern prefers more neutral to alkaline conditions, so struggle in very acidic substrates.
- This fern can be included in permaculture designs as a ground cover to reduce soil erosion on slopes or in shaded areas where other plants might struggle to grow.
- In the culinary world, while not commonly eaten, the fronds of Hart's Tongue Fern could be used as a unique natural garnish for plating high-end dishes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiHart's-tongue fern is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityHart's-tongue fern is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: As the Hart's Tongue Fern, Asplenium scolopendrium 'Kaye's Lacerated', thrives in challenging environments, it symbolizes the ability to withstand difficult conditions.
- Eternal Youth: With its evergreen nature, the Hart's Tongue Fern represents perpetual youth and enduring vitality.
- Protection: Traditionally, ferns like the Hart's Tongue Fern have been considered as plants offering shelter and protection, making them a symbol of safety.
- Solitude: The unique appearance of the Hart's Tongue Fern can indicate a preference for a solitary existence or the beauty found in singular focus.
- Secret Bond: In the language of plants, ferns often represent secret love or a hidden bond, and Hart's Tongue Fern may carry this meaning as well.
WaterThe Hart's Tongue Fern prefers consistently moist soil, but it is important not to overwater it. You should water this plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering once every week to ten days, depending on environmental conditions. Use room temperature water and gently pour it around the base of the plant until the water begins to drain from the bottom of the pot, which could be around a half gallon for a medium-sized pot every time you water. During the winter months when the plant is not actively growing, reduce watering frequency to prevent root rot.
LightThe Hart's Tongue Fern thrives in indirect light or partial shade, making it an excellent plant for a north-facing window or a spot that receives filtered light throughout the day. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, so avoid placing it in a south-facing window without any protection from direct rays. The ideal lighting conditions will mimic the dappled light of its natural woodland habitat.
TemperatureHart's Tongue Ferns do best in temperatures between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate a range going down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit and up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit without harm. However, avoid sudden temperature fluctuations and keep the plant away from drafty windows and heating sources to maintain consistent growing conditions.
PruningPruning the Hart's Tongue Fern is generally for aesthetic purposes or to remove any damaged or dead fronds. Cut back the affected fronds at the base using sterile scissors or pruning shears. The best time for pruning is in the spring, just before new growth begins, which will typically be once a year. Routine removal of old fronds encourages healthy new growth and maintains an attractive plant shape.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHart's Tongue Fern prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A mixture of one part garden soil, one part peat, and one part perlite or coarse sand is ideal. This blend encourages moisture retention while allowing excess water to drain, matching the plant's natural woodland habitat conditions.
RepottingHart's Tongue Fern typically requires repotting every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth. Best repotted in spring, ensure the new pot is only slightly larger than the previous one to avoid waterlogging the roots.
Humidity & MistingThe Hart's Tongue Fern thrives in high humidity, ideally between 60% to 80%. To maintain these levels, employ humidity trays or mist regularly, especially in dry indoor environments, to mimic the moist conditions of its native woodland setting.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with high humidity.
Outdoor
Grow in shaded area, keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleAsplenium scolopendrium 'Kaye's Lacerated', commonly known as Hart's Tongue Fern, begins its life cycle as a spore that lands on a suitable damp substrate and germinates to produce a gametophyte— a small, heart-shaped, flat structure known as a prothallus. The prothallus grows and forms male and female reproductive organs; following fertilization, the zygote develops into a new sporophyte, which is the fern we recognize. This young sporophyte emerges from the prothallus and starts developing fronds and a root system. As it matures, the plant forms distinctive crinkled and lacerated fronds that unfurl into elongated tongue-like shapes, hence the common name. The fern will grow and thrive in shade to partial shade, in moist, well-draining soil. Eventually, the mature plant will produce clusters of spores on the underside of the fronds, completing the life cycle and allowing new ferns to germinate and grow.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Asplenium scolopendrium 'Kaye's Lacerated', commonly known as Hart's Tongue Fern, is generally propagated by spores rather than vegetative methods. Spore propagation is best carried out in late summer when spores are ripe. To propagate Hart's Tongue Fern from spores, one must first collect spore-laden fronds, typically noticing a brownish underside to the fronds where the spores are housed. The collected fronds are then placed on a piece of paper to dry; after a few days, the spores can be tapped out and sown on the surface of a sterilized, finely textured, moist growing medium, avoiding direct sunlight. The container with spores should be covered with a plastic wrap or glass to maintain humidity, and it typically takes a few weeks to several months for the spores to germinate into a prothallus, leading to the development of young ferns. Care should be taken to reduce the risk of fungal infections by ensuring good air circulation and keeping the growing medium moist but not waterlogged.
