Knottman’s Ferns, Part 5

Rusty-back Fern  ( Asplenium ceterach )

This is one of the Wall ferns. Here in Arnside we have many miles of Limestone walls. This is exactly the place where this small fern loves to grow. It gets its name from the platelets which cover the back of the fronds. Early in the year these platelets are silver but as time passes they become a deep rusty brown.

My photo also shows the difference between this and another common wall fern, Maidenhair Spleenwort. In the top left hand corner you will see just a few fronds of the latter. There is a very clear difference.