Asplenium trichomanes subsp. trichomanes
Maidenhair spleenwort, Maidenhair Spleenwort, maidenhair spleenwort
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Family: Aspleniaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.1
Asplenium trichomanes subsp. trichomanes (Maidenhair spleenwort) is a native California herb in the Aspleniaceae family, recognized by distinctive dark purple-brown shiny stems.
Maidenhair spleenwort is a native fern found in the northwestern Klamath Ranges of Del Norte County on rocky habitats at an elevation of 200 meters. This delicate fern produces dark purple-brown shiny stems and forms clustered fronds with intricate, linear leaf blades. Growing 8 to 25 centimeters tall, the fern has narrow stems approximately 0.4 to 0.6 millimeters wide with distinctive dark purple-brown coloration. Its leaves are precisely arranged with 15 to 30 pairs of small, oblong pinnae that are 3 to 6 millimeters long, featuring shallow crenate margins on the upper and distal edges. The fern develops small sori generally 1 to 1.5 millimeters long, with 2 to 4 pairs of spore-producing structures per pinna leaf.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Geographically isolated; distinctive dark purple-brown shiny stems
Habitat and range
Habitat: On rocks
Elevation: 200 m
California counties: Del Norte
Outside California: widespread in North America, Europe, Asia, southern temperate
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.1
How to tell it apart
vs Polystichum: Asplenium has linear to J-shaped sori; Polystichum has round sori with umbrella-like covers.; vs Rumex: Asplenium has fern fronds with sori underneath; Rumex has simple flowering plant leaves with papery sheaths.; vs Nephrolepis: Asplenium has free veins ending at margins; Nephrolepis has veins that form connecting loops.; vs Marsilea: Asplenium has typical fern fronds; Marsilea has four-parted clover-like leaves on creeping stems.; vs Blechnum: Asplenium sori are scattered along veins; Blechnum sori form continuous lines parallel to the midrib.
Frequently asked questions
Is Asplenium trichomanes subsp. trichomanes native to California?
Yes. Asplenium trichomanes subsp. trichomanes is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Asplenium trichomanes subsp. trichomanes grow?
Asplenium trichomanes subsp. trichomanes occurs in Del Norte, at elevations of 200 m.
What plant family does Asplenium trichomanes subsp. trichomanes belong to?
Asplenium trichomanes subsp. trichomanes is in the Aspleniaceae family, genus Asplenium.
Is Asplenium trichomanes subsp. trichomanes rare or endangered?
Asplenium trichomanes subsp. trichomanes carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.1, state rank S1.
What habitat does Asplenium trichomanes subsp. trichomanes grow in?
Asplenium trichomanes subsp. trichomanes grows in On rocks.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.