This fern gets its name from the numerous fruiting bodies that form on the underside of its fronds giving it a silvery appearance. They are arranged like a sergeant’s stripes. The young fronds are yellow green and turn a pleasant straw color in fall. Similar in habit to the Lady Fern, but has hairs on the leaf blade and a more definite midrib. Clump forming habit.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Silvery Spleenwort
Deparia acrostichoides
Plant Type: Ferns
Native Environment: Forest
Season of Interest:
Main Color: Green
Fall Color: Yellow
USDA PLANTS Range Map
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Photo: Courtesy of MDC

Sun Exposure
Shade

Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate

Nature Attracting

Wildlife Benefit

Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
12 to
18
inches
Spread:
2 to
3
feet
Size
Height: 12 to
18
inches
Spread: 2 to
3
feet
Size
Height: 12 to
18
inches
Spread: 2 to
3
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Great texture for the shade garden, and it stays relatively short.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Naturally occurs in rich moist woods, so shade or part shade and good soil should make this fern easy to grow. Can survive well in full sun if given constant moisture. Forms a clump with short, creeping rhizomes.
Special Features
Special Usage
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.