Phyllitis scolopendrium Angustifolia - Hart's-tongue fern

Asplenium scolopendrium 'Angustifolia' is a lovely compact version with narrow and frizzy leaves of the Scolopendrium fern commonly called Deer's Tongue. The plant forms a dense clump of shiny fronds, which change from light green to dark green and persist through winter. It is an easily cultivated variety as long as it benefits from a bit of humus-rich soil and a humid environment: it will decorate a wall, a cool rockery, a waterfall, or the surroundings of a water feature throughout the year. 

Asplenium scolopendrium 'Angustifolia' belongs to the Aspleniaceae family. Its parent Phyllitis scolopendrium, native to northern Eurasia, is indigenous to France. It can be found up to 1800m (5905ft) altitude in forest ravines, near streams, on the inner walls of wells, or on old shaded walls, often on limestone soil. It is a protected species in certain French regions.

The 'Angustifolia' Scolopendrium fern grows from a short and thick rhizome, covered with reddish scales. The plant slowly forms a clump about 25-30cm (10-12in) tall and 35cm (14in) wide. Its fronds are entire, in the form of long flat ribbons, 3-4cm (1-2in) wide, with a strongly undulate border. Each is carried by a short villous petiole covered with dark scales. The new leaves, of a bright light green, form in spring. Like all ferns, the Deer's Tongue does not flower, but it produces reproductive organs called sori. They are visible on the underside of the fronds. They are clusters of brownish colour more or less tinged with yellow-orange or violet, linear, large in size, oblique, and parallel to each other. These sori are quite decorative.

Asplenium scolopendrium 'Angustifolia', easy to grow and decorative all year round, has its place in our gardens. This fern also makes a nice addition to decorate a shady terrace, accompanied by hostas, for example. Also consider pairing it with cyclamens and hellebores. You can plant them in semi-shade or non-burning sun (maximum 3 hours of sun per day), but the soil should not be too dry in summer. Choose the location for your fern based on the moisture of your soil. The Deer's Tongue can tolerate some drought if it is exposed to shade. It willingly settles on a slope, in a pile of stones mixed with compost, or in a pocket of humus arranged in a wall.