Asplenium: Pinnatifidum

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

: It remains green year-round, making it easier to spot on rocky outcrops during the winter months.

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 asplenium pinnatifidum

( Asplenium montanum ): Contributes the deeply lobed leaf structure.

( Asplenium rhizophyllum ): Contributes the long, tapering frond tips. : It typically grows in small, dense clusters

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

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

Unlike many hybrids that are sterile, Asplenium pinnatifidum is a fertile . It originated from a natural cross between two other ferns: