October 2026 – Guess That Plant
This is the FNJP’s 186 th edition of Guess that Plant!
This month’s Guess that Plant is an upland composite with a name that refers to a house-hold pet. Think you know this plant? If so, send your answer for this month’s Guess that Plant.
September’s Plant:
Asplenium platyneuron (L.) Oakes, Ebony Spleenwort
The September Guess that Plant is a common fern that is found throughout the state. Ebony spleenwort grows on well-drained rich soil in open woods and rocky slopes. Hough (1983) lists this fern as frequent and is documented for every county. According to Henry Gleason (1952) our monthly species is also found in South Africa. This month’s photo is from a sandy open pine woodland in Franklinville, Gloucester County.
Moerman (1998) does not cite specific uses for the monthly Guess that Plant. He does note other members of the genus have medicinal uses, specifically for lungs and breast ailments.
JRA, 9/2026
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