Black spleenwort (Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, Sp. pl. 2:1081. 1753)

Family: Aspleniaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. pl. 2:1081. 1753

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Asplenium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Temp. Eurasia, Macaronesia, NW. & S. Africa to Trop. African Mts., WC. U.S.A. to N. Mexico, Hawaiian Is.

Description

Black Spleenwort (Asplenium adiantum-nigrum)

Black Spleenwort, scientifically known as Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, is a versatile and resilient fern that belongs to the Aspleniaceae family. This species of fern has a broad geographical distribution, thriving across various regions including temperate Eurasia, Macaronesia, Northwest and Southern Africa, tropical African mountains, as well as Western and Central United States extending to Northern Mexico and the Hawaiian Islands.

First documented in 1753, it has since been recognized for its unique adaptability to a wide range of climatic conditions. Black Spleenwort flourishes in rocky outcrops and shaded woodland areas, favoring calcareous soils though it is capable of enduring less ideal conditions.

Characteristically, this fern features dark, almost black stipes that contrast beautifully with its finely divided, bright green fronds. The fronds grow in a fan-like pattern, creating an intricate, lacy appearance that is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally efficient for photosynthesis. Its capacity to grow in crevices and on walls makes it a common sight in both natural and urban environments, where it can sometimes be observed cascading over stone walls or steep cliffs.

The ecological significance of Black Spleenwort is notable; it contributes to the biodiversity of fern species within its habitat while also playing a role in soil stabilization on rocky terrains. Its hardiness and low-maintenance nature make it a favorable choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of elegance to shaded garden spots.

As an intriguing subject of botanical studies, the adaptability and widespread presence of Black Spleenwort highlight its evolutionary success. Its presence across such diverse geographical locations underscores the remarkable resilience and adaptability innate to the species.

Overall, Black Spleenwort (Asplenium adiantum-nigrum) stands out not only for its beauty and adaptability but also for its significant ecological contributions, making it a cherished specimen in both natural and managed landscapes.

Common Names

Deu: schwarzer streifenfarn, schwarzstieliger streifenfarn
Dan: sort radeløv
Eng: black spleenwort
Nno: blankburkne
Nob: blankburkne
Fra: doradille noire – capillaire noire
Swe: glansbräken
Nld: zwartsteel
Cym: duegredyn coesddu, duegredynen ddu, duegredynen goesddu, dugoesog, duwallt y forwyn
En: Black spleenwort, Black spleenwort fern, Black Maidenhair
Ar: سرخس البلوط
Az: Qara qamçılıca
Eu: Garaizka beltz
Bg: Черно изтравниче
Ca: Falzia negra, Falzia de bosc
Zh: 深山鐵角蕨, 黑色铁角蕨
Kw: Leslethan
Cs: Sleziník netíkovitý
Da: Sort radeløv
Nl: Zwartsteel
Fi: Kiiltoraunioinen
Fr: Doradille noire – capillaire noire, Asplénium noir, Capillaire noir, Doradille noire, Asplénie noire, Herbe capillaire, Doradille noir
Gl: Fento negro
De: Schwarzstieliger Streifenfarn, Schwarzer Streifenfarn
Hu: Fekete fodorka
Ga: Fionncha dubh
It: Asplenio adianto-nero, Capillare adianto-nero
No: Blankburkne
Nb: Blankburkne
Nn: Blankburkne
Fa: اسپلنیوم ادیانتوم-نیگروم
Pl: Zanokcica ciemna
Ru: Kostenets chernyĭ, Костенец чёрный
Sk: Slezinník čierny
Es: Capilar negro, Culantrillo negro
Sv: Glansbräken
Zh-tw: 深山鐵角蕨
Uk: Аспленій чорний
Cy: Duegredynen goesddu, Duegredyn Coesddu, Duegredynen Ddu, Dugoesog, Duwallt y Forwyn

Synonyms

• Tarachia adiantum-nigrum ((L.) C.Presl)
• Chamaefilix adiantum-nigrum ((L.) Farw.)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Austria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Cape Provinces (native)
• Cape Verde (native)
• Chad (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Eritrea (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• France (native)
• Free State (native)
• Føroyar (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hawaii (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kenya (native)
• Krym (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Lesotho (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Réunion (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Sinai (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Utah (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Yemen (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jan 6, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 6, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 8, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 8, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 8, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 26, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 30, 2021 by Olivier Le Gall (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 13, 2022 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 31, 2021 by gege gege (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 8, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken Aug 26, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2021 by González Barri Xavi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 13, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2017 by Jose Luis Romero (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 28, 2019 by jid (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Forest & Kim Starr (cc-by)

Taken Jan 4, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gmich2012 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 13, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 1, 2010 by Tela Botanica − La Spada Arturo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 1, 2015 by Tela Botanica − La Spada Arturo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2009 by Tela Botanica − La Spada Arturo (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2018 by christophe gorla (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2017 by Tela Botanica − . TINTIN88 (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 1, 2013 by Tela Botanica − claire Felloni (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 7, 2021 by Cedric Lanjuin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 31, 1849 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2650594)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:17038650-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Asplenium adiantum-nigrum L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth