Northern Maidenhair
Adiantum pedatum
- Native to:
- Canada, China, India, Korea, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, United States
Doug McGrady (www.flickr.com) from Warwick, RI, USA
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Pteridophyta | - Ferns
- Family:
- Pteridaceae
- Genus:
- Adiantum
- Species:
- Adiantum pedatum
- USDA Symbol:
- ADPE
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade,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, shelter
- 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 woodland environments
Propagation & Germination
- Notes:
- Ferns reproduce via spores rather than seeds; spore germination requires very high humidity and sterile conditions in laboratory settings.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20°C. Seed germinates within 3 months * pour boiling water over milled sphagnum moss, sow seeds, enclose in plastic bag