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Grass-fern
Asplenium septentrionale
NatureServe conservation status
Global (G-rank): G5
State (S-rank): S2
External links
Species range
Estimate from download of data from Utah Rare Plant Database on January 22nd, 2024.
Geocat observations: 7 Extent of Occurrence: 23,200.014 km2.
Historic observations over 40 years old were not used.
Crevices of ledges and other rock outcrops in quartz-rich sandstones of the Uinta Mtn. Group at 7,400-10,250 ft. from Red Canyon Rim in Daggett Co., eastern Uinta Mtns. in Uintah Co., and Haystack Mtn. in Summit Co., also plotted for Moffat Co. (Welsh et al. 2015).
Cliffs of various substrates; 700--2900 m; Ariz., Calif., Colo., D.C., N.Mex., Okla., Oreg., S.Dak., Tex., Utah, W.Va., Wyo.; Mexico in Baja California; Europe; Asia. In North America Asplenium septentrionale is principally a western species with isolated disjunct populations in Monroe and Hardy counties, West Virginia. Because of its close resemblance to a tuft of grass, it is easily overlooked, and discoveries of additional localities are to be expected. In Europe A . septentrionale is known to hybridize with several species, but in North America only the hybrid with A . trichomanes ( A . × alternifolium Wulfen) is known. (Flora of North America, accessed 2024).
Threats or limiting factors
The main threats to this species is mainly from impacts from mountain goats, livestock grazing, fire, recreation and climate change. Several occurrences are within mountain goat habitat and may be subject to grazing and trampling. Most occurrences are in cattle grazing allotments, but since this species grows in rock crevices livestock may not be able to access the majority of individuals. One occurrence within the boundary of a past fire and the fire threat may be exasperated by beetle kill. Since this species grows in cliffs it may not be as impacted by fires as other species. Recreational use of habitat, such as foot traffic and skiing-related activities, may pose a threat to some populations throughout its range. As the human population grows in areas within easy access to habitat and as recreational use increases, the impacts may become substantially more significant. Climate change is also a threat and likely impacting this species through out it's range (Wrobleski, 2023). Droughts and rapid snowmelt due to wind-blown sediments are melting snowpack earlier than normal in our region (UNPS, accessed 2024).
