SafePlants

Rough Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum hispidulum)

The Adiantum hispidulum, commonly known as Rough Maidenhair Fern or five-fingered jack, is a captivating fern appreciated for its distinctive foliage and adaptability. This perennial plant, belonging to the family Pteridaceae (also cited as Adiantaceae in some sources), adds a touch of elegance to both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions the plant's rough texture.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions the plant's rough texture.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Adiantum hispidulum
• Common Names: Rough Maidenhair Fern, five-fingered jack, Rosy Maidenhair Fern
• Family: Pteridaceae (also cited as Adiantaceae)
• Synonyms: The provided text also refers to a similar plant: Adiantum aleuticum, the maidenhair fern.
• ScientificNameAuthorship: Sw.

Distribution and Habitat

• The Rough Maidenhair Fern has a widespread distribution, including Queensland Sub-Tropics Region, East Australia and the Wet Tropics.
• Native Status: HI I L48 I PB N.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Adiantum hispidulum is described as a small, tough fern.
• It's an evergreen to deciduous fern featuring bipinnate to tripinnate fronds, each reaching up to 14 inches long.
• The plant can be upright, tufted, or clump-forming.
• The fronds are glossy green and fan-shaped, emerging pink or red and maturing to a bronze-green color. The fronds are described as pubescent or rarely glabrous.
• The stipe is black, stout, and slightly rough to scabrous, with sparse hairs.

Ecological Role

• The Rough Maidenhair Fern is listed in "Invasive Species Most Unwanted".

Further Information

• Dave's Garden
• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
• Plant Delights Nursery
• Wolfram|Alpha
• USDA PLANTS Database
• Plants of Hawaii (images and information by Forest and Kim Starr)