Dragontail Fern

Asplenium x ebenoides

Nature Hills Nursery

Rare Hybrid Fern with Dragon-Like Fronds that Naturally Produce Baby Plantlets on Leaf Tips
Thrives in Zones 5-8
Grows 1 ft Tall and Wide
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
Native Perennial

$34³²

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Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Provide 4 to 6 hours of bright, indirect light. Avoid direct afternoon sun because it will scorch the delicate fronds and cause the deep green color to fade to a sickly yellow.
Soil: Use a loose, well draining potting mix rich in organic matter like peat moss or coconut coir. If your soil is heavy clay, mix in plenty of perlite or orchid bark to ensure the roots can breathe and never sit in stagnant water.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy to help the root system settle. Once established, this fern can handle slightly drier conditions between waterings, but letting it dry out completely will lead to crispy brown leaf edges. Stick your finger an inch into the soil; if it feels dry, it is time for a thorough soak.

Pruning Tips

This fern grows from a central crown and typically produces new growth from the middle. You only need to prune to remove old, tattered, or yellowing fronds near the base of the plant to keep it looking tidy. Use sharp, clean shears in early spring to make these cuts, which allows the plant to direct all its energy into the fresh, vibrant spring flush.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, water soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month from spring through late summer. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the autumn because this encourages tender new growth that can easily be damaged by cooler temperatures or indoor drafts. Think of it like a vitamin boost that helps maintain that glossy, leathery texture the plant is known for.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Deer-resistant, Wet Soils, Groundcover, Container Friendly
Hardiness Zone	4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
Sunlight	Partial shade, Shade
Height	1 ft
Width	1 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Chalky, Peaty
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Compact
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Spring
Foliage Color	Green
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Indoors, Outdoors
Plant Name	Fern
Botanical Name	Asplenium x ebenoides
Species	x ebenoides
Class	Polypodiopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

The unique and whimsical growth of Dragontail Fern (Asplenium x ebenoides) has long, narrow fronds with elongated tips and a chaotic, zig-zagging growing nature. Looking like a patch of green, mini-dragon tails playing in the garden, these native Ferns add so much fantasy to your space.

This whimsical little Fern grows to about 6 inches tall and about a foot wide. Forming a low, evergreen mound of narrowly triangular, notched, wavy-edged glossy fronds, each tapering to long points. The unique appearance is one not often seen in today's gardens!

Also known as Scott's Spleenwort or Walking Spleenwort because of the curious manner that some frond tips grow a small plantlet on their leaf ends, then bend down to trail the ground and root, giving them their other name, the Walking Fern!

With upright arching growth, these fronds grow in bizarre patterns of assorted shapes and a variety of different-sized lobes, sometimes trailing to the ground and rooting to slowly spread.

It is a natural hybrid between another two native species two eastern US species, Asplenium rhizophyllum (Walking Fern) and A. platyneuron (Ebony Spleenwort), giving rise to this unique beauty! Highly adaptable throughout USDA planting zones 5 to 8, Dragontail is naturally occurring in Eastern North America, this hardy native and other species of Asplenium can be found growing in the Ozarks limestone ledges, in rocky crooks, nooks and crannies, and along bubbling creeks.

Planting and Application:

We guarantee no one else will have these beauties on the block! Dragontail's small clump-forming nature is best suited to the Rock Garden or for edging in a shady woodland garden.

Also growing well in containers because of their size and curious growth, planters will gain intriguing character with the addition of these heavily-toothed filler plants poking up haphazardly around the other plants!

Dragontail Fern also does well in indoor terrariums and indoor areas with high humidity. Give your bathroom a Spa retreat feel by adding Dragontail as a Kokedama, which is when the roots are suspended in a mud ball, coated with soft green moss, and wrapped in twine.

Plant around your favorite water feature, Rain Gardens, and fountain where they can soak up the moisture and humidity while adding extraordinary texture!

Shade gardens, shady tree canopies, understories, and woodland plantings are natural haunts, where Dragontail can ramble and spread to its heart's delight without worry. They're highly deer and rabbit resistant so they can hold their own in these out-of-the-way spots. Wildflower gardens, Cottage Gardens, and native forested glens will look lovely with these playing along their shaded edges.

Long, Narrow, Spikey Fern Fronds
Fresh Green Color & Random Unique Growth
Low Glossy Spreading Growth
Hardy Native Fern
Naturalizing Groundcover, Indoor/Patio Accents, Edging, Containers & Specimens

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Dragontail Ferns love the partial shade in cooler zones and full, dense dark shade in hot growing zones in warmer summer climates. Performing best in sandy and average soil that has good drainage and consistent moisture. Also tolerating clay soil, chalky soil, and any that have good moisture retention. Doing well in all types of pH from mild acidity to mild alkalinity. It's surprising that this wonderful plant hasn't caught on more!

Add Nature Hills Root Booster during planting, because the symbiotic ingredients work non-stop over the life of the plant. Doing their very best in cool locations, a generous layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture as well as insulate the root system from heat and chill. These evergreen Ferns clumps may be divided in spring, but this is seldom required. Though enjoying to spread, they're easily controlled and cared for.

When used indoors, mist often and keep away from drafts and full sun. Try raising the humidity by planting over a tray of water-filled pebbles or setting up a humidifier for your treasures.

Slug-resistant, these will do well with little care or attention from you. Only the removal of dead or dying fronds is needed to keep the clumps tidy.

Full Shade & Partial Shade
Wide Soil Adaptability - Best in Rich Slightly Acidic
Moisture Loving
Higher Slug & Deer Resistance
Easy Care & Low Maintenance

Whimsy and curiosity abound, for something truly cool and unique, we guarantee no one else has in your area, choose a hardy and adaptable plant! Your gardens will become a fantasyland with Dragontail Ferns frolicking in the dappled shade! Order your own living curiosities from Nature Hills Nursery today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does an overwatered fern look like?

Overwatered ferns develop yellowing fronds, mushy black roots, and a soggy soil smell. The glossy green fronds lose their luster and may collapse at the base. Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 1-2 inches deep and only water when it feels dry to the touch.

How tall and wide does a mature Dragontail Fern grow?

Dragontail Fern reaches about 6 inches tall and spreads approximately 12 inches wide at maturity. This compact native forms low, evergreen mounds perfect for rock gardens or container plantings in zones 5-8. Shop at Nature Hills for this unique walking fern.

Is Dragontail Fern considered a fast-growing or slow-growing plant?

Dragontail Fern is a slow-growing plant that spreads gradually by rooting plantlets at frond tips. This native hybrid reaches just 6 inches tall and 12 inches wide at maturity. Be patient with establishment and allow space for its unique walking habit to develop naturally.

Does Dragontail Fern produce flowers and if so, what color are they?

Dragontail Fern does not produce flowers, as ferns reproduce through spores rather than blooms. Like all ferns, this native perennial focuses its energy on producing its distinctive glossy, dragon-tail-shaped fronds. Enjoy the unique foliage texture and curious growth patterns instead of expecting traditional flowering.

Is Dragontail Fern deer resistant?

Dragontail Fern is generally deer resistant, as most ferns are naturally avoided by browsing wildlife. This native hybrid thrives in zones 5-8 and forms 6-inch tall clumps perfect for shady woodland edges where deer pressure is common. Shop at Nature Hills for this unique addition to your deer-proof shade garden.

Should I fertilize my Dragontail Fern and how often?

Dragontail Ferns need minimal fertilization as native plants adapted to nutrient-poor rocky conditions. A light application of balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer once in early spring is sufficient. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage these delicate ferns and disrupt their natural slow growth pattern.

Dragontail Fern

Asplenium x ebenoides