Intro: 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.

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Height: 1-2 ft.

plant sale text: 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.

bloom table text:

description: 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.

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leaves:

inflorescence:

flowers:

fruits:

comments:

cultural notes: 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.

germination code:

native range: eastern North America