WildBristol.uk - Discovering Wildlife in Bristol

Widespread throughout the west side of the UK, scattered distribution elsewhere. Most common in the South-West where locally it can be very common. Overall it is quite rare. Habitat includes: Limestone rocks, rock crevices stone walls, particularly mortared walls. Other names include: Asplenium ceterach, Rustyback. Identification- Fronds 3-20 cm long. Back of frond covered with rust-coloured scales. Spores in elliptical bundles along the veins, hidden by the scales. The leaves are thick, leathery and persist through the winter. They are almost, but not wholly, pinnately divided. Drought resistant and will curl its fronds inwards so that only the brownish surface is visible. Other names include: Ceterach officinarum (old name).