Course: Ferns of the UK: Spleenworts

Exploring the Spleenworts (genus Asplenium) in the British Isles: morphology, habitats, and identification.

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.