Common Maidenhair, Southern Maidenhair, Venus Maidenhair Fern

Adiantum capillus-veneris L.

ad-ee-ANT-um CAP-ill-iss VEN-er-iss

Ferns

Explanation of name: from Greek adiantos, unwetted, in reference to a plant with impermeable or water-repellent leaves (HUX).  Capillus-veneris, literally translated, means Venus’ hair.

Natural range: A wide-ranging fern found throughout Florida, in much of the Southern U.S. from California to Virginia (NE5); also found in Australia, India, Africa, Sri Lanka, China, Japan, Europe and Polynesia (HUX)

Natural habitat: Prefers wet rocky crevices such as outcrops of limestone along streams and rivers or other moist but well drained rocky areas

Recognition: All Adiantum species are delicate ferns with dark brown to black rachis and wedge- or fan-shaped pinnules. The pinnae are alternate and stalked, and the pinnules can be entire to serrate. In A. capillus-veneris the dark stem does not end at the base of each pinnule but rather extends into the pinnule (NE5, HUX).

Landscape uses: Southern Maidenhair makes a pretty hanging basket or potted plant but probably won’t perform well in the landscape unless it can be given its preferred wet and rocky environment. Garden ponds with limestone rock features and waterfalls suit this fern. HUX also notes that excellent air circulation and bright indirect light along with an alkaline growing medium are necessary for Maidenhair Ferns’ success.