Hen And Chicken Fern
Asplenium bulbiferum
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Pl. 9224 — Asplenium bulbiferum
Asplenium bulbiferumAsplenium bulbiferumAsplenium bulbiferumAsplenium bulbiferumAsplenium bulbiferumAsplenium bulbiferumAsplenium bulbiferumAsplenium bulbiferumAsplenium bulbiferumAsplenium bulbiferumAsplenium bulbiferumAsplenium bulbiferumAsplenium bulbiferumAsplenium bulbiferum
IOverview
Overview
Hen and Chicken Fern (Asplenium bulbiferum) is a light-loving fern native to the Antipodean Islands, Chatham Islands, Marianas, New Zealand North Island, and South Island. Known for its edible leaves and roots, this plant thrives in moist conditions with partial sun or shade. It adapts well to various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils, making it a versatile choice for gardeners. One distinctive feature is the presence of 'chickens'—small plantlets that grow on the underside of the fronds, resembling chicks hatching from eggs. This fern can reach up to 0.3 meters in height and is hardy in zones 10-11.
Quick answers
What is Hen And Chicken Fern?
Hen and Chicken Fern (Asplenium bulbiferum) is a light-loving fern native to the Antipodean Islands, Chatham Islands, Marianas, New Zealand North Island, and South Island. Known for its edible leaves and roots, this plant thrives in moist conditions with partial sun or shade.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Hen And Chicken Fern thrives in partial sun to full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions with a range of 10-11. The plant grows up to 0.3 meters tall and its edible parts include the leaves and roots. Ensure the soil remains consistently damp for best growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-11
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Hen And Chicken Fern for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple planting of Hen And Chicken Fern to get familiar with basic care.
- 1
What you'll need
Hen And Chicken Fern plants, potting soil, containers or garden beds.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather starts warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining potting mix. Ensure pots have drainage holes if using containers.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from your garden center into prepared soil, spacing them about 30 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist and place in a partially shaded area to acclimate.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Provide partial shade during hot days.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune any dead fronds to maintain plant health and appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, placing in full sun, neglecting to prune dead leaves.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRoot
Edible uses: The Hen and Chicken Fern's leaves and roots are edible. Typically, the leaves can be eaten raw or cooked as a vegetable. Roots may also be consumed but preparation methods are not widely documented.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
5 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
5 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 5 native
Broader regions
native:Antipodean Is., Chatham Is., Marianas, New Zealand North, New Zealand South
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 92243f7a-c80f-49d5-99b5-a3fd7cea422c
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