Harts Tongue Fern

You might not recognise this as a fern but it is the Hart's Tongue Fern, (Asplenium scolopendrium) . 

 

 

The strap-like fronds (as we call the leaves of ferns) last through the winter and new ones uncurl in the spring.

 

                      

Although it will grow in any soil, it prefers limy conditions and will even grow in the mortar of walls.   Where you find it growing you can guess that the soil is probably alkaline.