Bradley's Spleenwort May 2026

This fern has a fascinating evolutionary history known as . It originated as a hybrid between the Mountain Spleenwort ( A. montanum ) and the Ebony Spleenwort ( A. platyneuron ).

Bradley's spleenwort is a tufted perennial fern that grows in tight clusters. To identify it, look for these specific features: bradley's spleenwort

: Its fronds are relatively small, typically ranging from 4 to 20 cm (about 1.5 to 8 inches) in length. This fern has a fascinating evolutionary history known as

: It prefers very acidic, thin soil (pH 3.5–5.0) in exposed, often sunny rock fissures. Because it thrives in such hostile conditions where other plants cannot grow, it faces little competition from more aggressive species. Conservation Status platyneuron )

: It is listed as endangered in states like Illinois , Indiana, and Pennsylvania, and threatened in Ohio .

Due to its very specific habitat requirements and rare occurrence, it is considered a species of special concern in many states.

: Major threats include habitat destruction from quarrying and mining, mechanical disturbance from rock climbing, and overshading caused by invasive vines or tree growth.