SafePlants

Adiantum: The Maidenhair Fern

The genus Adiantum, commonly known as maidenhair fern, encompasses approximately 200 species of ferns. These ferns are admired for their delicate foliage and unique growth habits.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Adiantum
• Common Name: Maidenhair Fern
• Subfamily: Vittarioideae

Several species within the Adiantum genus are mentioned:

• Adiantum aleuticum (Aleutian maidenhair)
• Adiantum anceps (double edge maidenhair)
• Adiantum caudatum (tailed maidenhair)
• Adiantum concinnum (polished maidenhair, brittle maidenhair)
• Adiantum capillus-veneris

Specifically, Adiantum concinnum is also known by the following scientific name:

• Adiantum concinnum Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Maidenhair ferns are perennial ferns.
• They possess a creeping rootstock from which leaves emerge.
• The leaves can reach heights of 1 to 2 1/2 feet.
• Stems are often wiry, dark, and polished, sometimes appearing purplish-black.
• The stalks of some species are forked.
• Leaflets (pinnules) of some species are small, around 7-15 mm.

Considerations for Pets

• The text describes the stem as "wiry" which may be a concern to some pet owners.

Considerations for Children

• The text describes the leaflets (pinnules) of some species as being small, around 7-15 mm.

Habitat and Distribution

• Adiantum aleuticum is known as the Aleutian maidenhair, suggesting a presence in the Aleutian Islands region.

Other Interesting Facts

• Stipes are described as polished and dark, with a slender build of 10-20 centimeters long.