Crested Hart's Tongue Fern

Crested hart’s tongue fern is an evergreen woodland fern whose glossy, strap-shaped fronds carry wavy margins and distinctive crested tips. It forms a compact clump for a shaded border, rock garden, or woodland edge where the soil stays cool and drains freely. The [Royal Horticultural Society](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/25915/asplenium-scolopendrium-cristatum-group/details) treats ‘Cristatum’ within the Cristatum Group and describes bright green fronds with crested tips; [Ashwood Nurseries](https://www.ashwoodnurseries.com/product/asplenium-scolopendrium-cristata/) also lists the named ‘Cristata’ form. ### Placement and soil Grow in partial or full shade, in humus-rich soil that remains moist without becoming waterlogged. Neutral to alkaline conditions are suitable. The species tolerates a range of exposures in the [Kwantlen Polytechnic University plant database](https://plantdatabase.kpu.ca/PlantPrint/assc), but sheltered shade helps maintain fresh foliage. ### Form and season The evergreen fronds provide year-round structure, with the cultivar’s curled or crested ends adding detail at close range. Size varies across references: KPU lists the species at roughly 20–40 cm tall by 30–60 cm wide, while the RHS gives a broader 0.5–1 m range for the Cristatum Group. These descriptions cover related forms and different growing conditions. ## Maintenance Water during dry spells and renew mulch with leaf mold or compost to keep the root zone cool. Remove damaged or faded fronds near the base when needed; avoid cutting healthy green fronds, which support the fern. Divide only if a mature clump needs to be moved or propagated.