Adiantum pedatum Linnaeus. clade: pedatum clade. Common name: Northern Maidenhair. Phenology: Jun-Aug. Habitat: Moist forests and cliffs, especially over calcareous or mafic rocks, sometimes in seasonal seepage. Distribution: NS and NB west to ON and MN, south to GA, AL, MS, LA, and OK. Sometimes interpreted to also be present in e. Asia; Lu et al. (2011) make clear that Asian material should be treated as two species distinct from Adiantum pedatum; Adiantum japonicum was named in 2021 (Zhao et al. 2021).
Origin/Endemic status: Native
Taxonomy Comments: Plants growing on serpentine in MD and se. PA have sometimes been interpreted as being A. aleuticum, but recent molecular studies show that they are "stunted forms" or "sun forms" of A. pedatum (Williams, Theis, & Hoess 2016).
Synonymy ⓘ: = Ar, Can, G, GrPl, Il, K4, NE, NS, NY, RAB, S13, Sf, Tat, Tn, Va, W, WV, Lu et al (2011), Paris (1991), Zhao et al (2021a); = Adiantum pedatum L. var. pedatum — F, Mo1; > Adiantum aleuticum (Rupr.) C.A.Paris — Pa, misapplied to MD and PA material; >< Adiantum aleuticum (Rupr.) C.A.Paris — FNA2, misapplied to MD and PA material; >< Adiantum aleuticum (Rupr.) C.A.Paris var. aleuticum, misapplied to MD and PA material; < Adiantum pedatum L. — FoC, POWO; > Adiantum pedatum L. — FNA2, Pa; > Adiantum pedatum L. ssp. calderi Cody — C, misapplied to MD and PA material; > Adiantum pedatum L. ssp. pedatum — C
Links to other floras: >< Adiantum aleuticum - FNA2; > Adiantum pedatum - FNA2
Wetland Indicator Status:
- Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: FACU
- Eastern Mountains and Piedmont: FAC
- Great Plains: FAC
- Midwest: FACU
- Northcentral & Northeast: FACU
Heliophily ⓘ: 2
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Horticultural Information
Intro | Stems | Leaves | Inforescence | Flowers | Fruits | Comments | Height | plant sale text | bloom table text | description | stems | leaves | inflorescence | flowers | fruits | comments | cultural notes | germination code | native range |
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Northern maidenhair's delicate, 8-20 in. fronds, with dark, shiny stems, spread their pinnae horizontally in a nearly perfect circle. This graceful, fan-like pattern is unique among native ferns. The fronds arise from a creeping rootstock in clusters. Burgundy red fiddleheads appear in early spring. The roots are wiry and black, colonizing in favorable sites. | 1-2 ft. | One of our loveliest native ferns, Northern maidenhair adds its graceful beauty to the shade garden. Despite its delicate appearance, it performs well throughout our hot summers. In the mountain and piedmont counties of the Southeastern United States, this species thrives on the humus-rich soil of old-growth forests and on shady slopes that are moist but well-drained. Mix compost and a little lime into soil before planting. Northern maidenhair also does well when planted in a large container. The black leaf stalks were used by Native Americans in basketry. | Northern maidenhair's delicate, 8-20 in. fronds, with dark, shiny stems, spread their pinnae horizontally in a nearly perfect circle. This graceful, fan-like pattern is unique among native ferns. The fronds arise from a creeping rootstock in clusters. Burgundy red fiddleheads appear in early spring. The roots are wiry and black, colonizing in favorable sites. | A decoction made from the leaves is used to help clear up coughs and congestion due to colds. It has also been used in hair rinses and tonics. The black leaf stalks were used by Native Ameicans in basketry. | eastern North America |
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