A delicate native fern with distinctive fan-shaped fronds.

Also called: Maidenhair Fern, Northern Maidenhair

Native status: Native to eastern North America

§ Quick facts

SizeHeight 30–60 cm
LifespanPerennial
OrderPolypodiales
FamilyPteridaceae

§ Encyclopedia

Adiantum, the maidenhair fern, is a genus of about 250 species of ferns in the subfamily Vittarioideae of the family Pteridaceae, though some researchers place it in its own family, Adiantaceae. The genus name comes from Greek, meaning "unwetted", referring to the fronds' ability to shed water without becoming wet.

Source: Wikipedia — Adiantum Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Delicate fern with black wiry stems; fan-shaped fronds; light green color.

Similar species. Northern Maidenhair (related; similar). Other Adiantum species.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. N/A — photosynthesis

Behavior. Delicate fern of moist deciduous forests. Distinctive fan-shaped frond pattern.

§ Range

Across North America

§ Habitat

Mature forests

§ Threats

Forest loss.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the maidenhair fern is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Plant in shade gardens.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USDA Plants Database
  • Native Plant Trust