Blechnum spicant - Hard Fern

Blechnum spicant, sometimes called Blechne, is a particularly hardy fern that is not widely used in gardens, but fairly common in our leafy undergrowth, where it is sometimes encountered by chance during a walk. It forms a small rosette of dark green, evergreen, tough and very distinct sterile fronds, radiating from its centre. Its uniqueness comes from its large deciduous fertile fronds of a different appearance, emerging in summer from the heart of the plant, like an upright bouquet. It often takes refuge in a sheltered hollow of dripping rocks, although it tolerates full sun where moisture is constant. In the garden, it will be happily planted on a shaded slope, in a non-calcareous soil, or among rocks in a cool and shady corner of the rockery.

Blechnum spicant is a plant of the family Blechnaceae, widespread in many temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It is found in Europe, northern Asia, and western North America. Its natural habitat consists mainly of woods and wet places, on non-calcareous siliceous soil. It is present throughout French territory, including Corsica.

This curious and pretty fern, anchored on a scaly rhizome, first forms a loose cushion of tough, narrow sterile fronds, divided into 2 rows of elongated pinnae, dark green in colour. This rosette will not exceed 20 to 30cm (8 to 12in) in height, with a span of 40 to 50cm (16 to 20in). Then, in summer, the tall fertile fronds appear in the centre of the clump, resembling fish spines. They have a bronze-green colour, with pinnae so narrow that the fronds appear laciniate. They disappear in autumn.

Less common than other species such as male and female ferns, this pretty pectinate fern prefers the well-drained soil of slopes bordering leafy undergrowth, or sunny areas where water constantly trickles. It will easily settle on a shaded slope, in a non-calcareous soil, or near a water source, along with Rodgersia, Petasites, and silver candle, its base adorned with 'Cameleon' Houttuynia cordata. It is also a very romantic plant, perfect for filling the surroundings of a small waterfall or the mossy remains of a masonry structure, nestled in the crevices of the stones.