Bradley's Spleenwort Today

: Major threats include habitat destruction from quarrying and mining, mechanical disturbance from rock climbing, and overshading caused by invasive vines or tree growth.

Bradley's spleenwort - Illinois Department of Natural Resources

( Asplenium bradleyi ) is a rare, small evergreen fern found primarily in the east-central United States. Named after Professor Frank Howe Bradley, who first discovered it in Tennessee in 1871, it typically thrives in the specialized, harsh environment of acidic rock crevices on sandstone or granite cliffs. Key Characteristics & Identification bradley's spleenwort

Due to its very specific habitat requirements and rare occurrence, it is considered a species of special concern in many states.

: Its fronds are relatively small, typically ranging from 4 to 20 cm (about 1.5 to 8 inches) in length. : Major threats include habitat destruction from quarrying

: Research suggests that Bradley’s spleenwort has actually "formed" multiple times in different locations from independent hybridization events between its parent species. Habitat and Distribution

: The frond consists of 6 to 14 pairs of triangular, toothed leaflets. The lowest pair are often the largest, and they gradually decrease in size toward the tip. Key Characteristics & Identification Due to its very

: The lower half of the stalk is a distinct shiny, reddish-brown or blackish color, while the upper half (the rachis) transitions to green.