Ebony spleenwort

Description:

The stipe and rachis of this fern are a dark brown/ebony color. There are separate, but similar appearing vegetative and fertile fronds. The vegetative fronds are relatively small (a few to several inches) and lie against the ground. Fertile fronds are upright and may be up to a foot or so tall (more commonly about 7-10 inches in my experience). Unlike many other ferns, this plant does not spread via its roots or rhizomes.

Habitat:

Ebony spleenwort tolerates a wide variety of soils, but is more abundant in highly acidic soils.