Family: Pteridaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 1095 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Adiantum
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Himalaya to Russian Far East and Japan, Subarctic America to NC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Northern maidenhair, scientifically known as Adiantum pedatum, is an enchanting fern recognized for its elegance and captivating appearance. Originating from diverse regions ranging from the Himalayas to the Russian Far East and Japan, and extending across Subarctic America to the North-Central and Eastern United States, this fern enjoys a wide ecological range.
Adiantum pedatum belongs to the Pteridaceae family, a noteworthy group known for their distinctive appearance and structural marvels. This fern thrives in cool, moist environments, which is indicative of its widespread presence in temperate to subarctic zones. The delicate, fan-shaped fronds of this species are beautifully articulated and typically arch gracefully, displaying a striking green hue that contributes to its delicate charm. Each frond segment is connected to a thin, dark stem that provides a stunning contrast against the vibrant green leaflet segments.
Botanists and nature enthusiasts are often captivated by the Northern maidenhair for its ethereal and lacy frond structure. It achieves a distinctive appearance with its delicate fronds that bifurcate symmetrically, creating a circular, fan-like arrangement that is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally efficient for photosynthesis.
This fern has found its place not only in natural landscapes but also in shaded gardens where its visual appeal and low-maintenance nature make it a popular choice. Despite its delicate appearance, the Northern maidenhair exhibits a hardy disposition, capable of thriving in well-drained soils rich in organic matter. It prefers shaded, moist conditions, often growing alongside streams, in moist woodlands, and on other similarly situated terrestrial habitats.
First documented in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, who also dedicated part of his extensive work to ferns, Adiantum pedatum serves as an emblematic species illustrating the delicate balance and intricate beauty found within the plant kingdom.
In conclusion, the Northern maidenhair fern, Adiantum pedatum, is a testament to the beauty and resilience of nature, embodying elegance and grace while offering a significant contribution to biodiversity across a wide array of geographical regions. Whether in its natural habitat or as part of a meticulously designed garden, this fern continues to enchant all who encounter it.
Common Names
Eng: five-finger fern, maidenfern, maidenhair, maidenhair fern, northern maidenhair, pointerweed, northern maidenhair fern
Fra: adiante du canada
Swe: frilandsadiantum
Nld: hoefijzervaren
En: Northern maidenhair, Pointerweed, Five-finger fern, Maidenfern, Maidenhair, Maidenhair fern, Northern maidenhair fern
Nl: Hoefijzervaren
Fr: Adiante du Canada
Sv: Frilandsadiantum
Synonyms
- Adiantum pedatum f. contratum (Yonek. & Keizo Sasaki)
- Adiantum americanum (Nieuwl.)
- Adiantum pedatum var. lacinatum (Hopkins)
- Adiantum pedatum f. laciniatum ((Hopkins) Weath.)
- Adiantum grandifolium (Ching)
- Adiantum boreale (C.Presl)
- Adiantum pedatum var. praeflexum (Copel. ex C.F.Baker)
- Adiantum pedatum var. originarium (Wherry)
- Adiantum pedatum var. rangiferinum (E.S.Burgess)
- Adiantum pedatum var. triangulare (McCord)
- Adiantum pedatum f. triangulare ((McCord) M.Broun)
- Adiantum pedatum var. kamtschaticum (Rupr.)
- Adiantum pedatum f. billingsae (Kittr.)
- Adiantum pedatum var. tripartitum (Farw.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Alaska (native)
- Amur (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Assam (native)
- China North-Central (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- East Himalaya (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Japan (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Khabarovsk (native)
- Korea (native)
- Kuril Is. (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manchuria (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Myanmar (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- Nepal (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pakistan (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Primorye (native)
- Qinghai (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- Sakhalin (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Tibet (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Himalaya (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Sep 25, 2020 by Virginie Michaud (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 25, 2020 by Virginie Michaud (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 18, 2021 by anilkumar ayyappan (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 24, 2015 by EOL − aseglias (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 1, 2020 by Derek Fleming (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 13, 2021 by Houmgaor (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 9, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 12, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 2, 2013 by EOL − Kyle Jones (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Bark
Taken Apr 21, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 16, 2014 by EOL − Chris Rimmer (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 29, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 13, 2021 by Houmgaor (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 29, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 12, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2651832)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30004419-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Adiantum pedatum L.)