The ( Asplenium pinnatifidum ) is a small, evergreen fern that primarily inhabits the crevices of non-calcareous rocks, such as sandstone and shale, across the Appalachian Mountains and into the Midwest. Often overlooked by casual hikers, this rare plant is a fascinating example of evolutionary biology in action, representing a stable, fertile hybrid species. A Hybrid Origin
: It typically grows in small, dense clusters directly out of cracks in shaded, damp rock faces. Where to Find It asplenium pinnatifidum
Unlike many hybrids that are sterile, Asplenium pinnatifidum is a fertile . It originated from a natural cross between two other ferns: The ( Asplenium pinnatifidum ) is a small,
Distinguishing it from its parents requires a close look at the fronds: such as sandstone and shale