Adiantum pedatum L.

Northern Maidenhair Fern Common Maidenhair Fern; American Maidenhair

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Northern Maidenhair Fern is a native herbaceous deciduous perennial in the Maidenhair Fern family (Pteridaceae). It is native to the northern two-thirds of Alabama. Northern Maidenhair Fern occurs in rich, mesic hardwood forests, in moist rocky woods, and in ravines. It often occurs in areas with limestone at or near the surface. It is a perennial with short creeping rhizomes. Leaves are petiolate, fan shaped or reniform in outline, divided into two equal halves with the pinnae all on one side. The petiole is erect, black in color, and glabrous. It is sometimes glaucous. The pinnae are divided into smaller segemnts called pinnules. The pinnules are oblong in outline, entire along the lower margin and lobed along the upper margin. Northern Maidenhair Fern reproduces by forming spores. The spores are in sporangia grouped together in clusters call sori that are located along the lobed upper margins of the pinnules. The sori are covered by the folded margin of the pinnules that form false indusia. Northern Maidenhair Fern is a popular ornamental. It prefers a moist, organic rich soil in full or partial shade. Several forms are available from nurseries.--A. Diamond

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Native G5 (Global Rank)

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