Aleutian Maidenhair
Adiantum aleuticum
- Native to:
- Aleutian Is., Canada, Mexico, United States
Jhorthos
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Pteridophyta | - Ferns
- Family:
- Pteridaceae
- Genus:
- Adiantum
- Species:
- Adiantum aleuticum
- USDA Symbol:
- ADAL
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Florida fern moth (Callopistria floridensis)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.0 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers shaded, cool environments
Propagation & Germination
- Notes:
- Ferns reproduce via spores rather than seeds; spore germination is complex and requires consistent moisture and humidity.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Collect spores from the surface of paper and surface sow in sterilized flats filled with sterile, finely milled peat moss that has been moistened with distilled water. Water spores with distilled water and seal flats with clear plastic wrap to seal in moisture and prevent fungal contamination. Place flats under 60 watt soft incandescent lights set at 12 hour per day illumination. Maintain temperature at 20 to 23C.
Source: npn.rngr.net