Ferns of the UK: Spleenworts

The genus Asplenium, commonly known as spleenworts, is a diverse group of ferns comprising ten native species in Britain. We will delve into the distinctive morphological features of the genus and examine the habitat, both native and introduced, where these species grow.

We will provide a detailed guide to identifying the six most common Asplenium species, while also offering an overview of the four rarer, range-restricted species.

This session is ideal for anyone involved in botany and conservation, including amateur naturalists, ecologists, site managers, and conservation volunteers seeking to deepen their understanding of this genus.

The widespread species covered in this course include

• Asplenium adiantum-nigrum (Black Spleenwort)
• Asplenium ceterach (Rustyback Fern)
• Asplenium marinum (Sea Spleenwort)
• Asplenium ruta-muraria (Wall Rue)
• Asplenium scolopendrium (Hart's Tongue Fern)
• Asplenium trichomanes (Maidenhair Fern)

The rare and range-restricted species are

• Asplenium obovatum (Lanceolate Spleenwort)
• Asplenium onopteris (Irish Spleenwort)
• Asplenium viride (Green Spleenwort)
• Asplenium septentrionale (Forked Spleenwort)

The 90-minute event will consist of a 1-hour presentation followed by a Q&A with the tutor using questions provided by the live audience.

The presentations will be recorded and shared with those who booked alongside Q&A transcripts and relevant links following the event via a password-protected website.

Skills For Ecology Webinars

Our Skill For Ecology webinars focus on technical skills useful in ecology and conservation roles, such as use of technology, field surveying and practical conservation skills.

This webinar is part of a series focusing on the identification and ecology of ferns and their allies in the UK:

1. Identifying Ferns & Allies (Tue 12 Aug 2025 18:30 - 20:00)
2. Ferns of the UK: Spleenworts (Tue 14 Oct 2025 18:30 - 20:00)
3. Ferns of the UK: Male & Buckler Ferns (Tue 16 Dec 2025 18:30 - 20:00)

Botany Specialist: Henry Miller

Henry Miller is a botanist working on Species Conservation Assessments at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, on projects in Ethiopia and tropical America. At Kew, he is also researching the taxonomy of Asian buckthorns (Rhamnaceae) using DNA sequencing. Outside of work, Henry is the co-recorder for Middlesex with the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland, and for the botany section of the London Natural History Society. He enjoys learning about and identifying a wide range of species.