SafePlants

Tracy's Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum × tracyi)

Adiantum × tracyi, commonly known as Tracy's Maidenhair Fern, is a delicate and rare hybrid fern prized for its lacy, bright green fronds and black stems. It is a protected California native.

Considerations for Pets

• While no specific toxicities are mentioned, the plant's small parts (lacy fronds) might present a minor ingestion hazard for curious pets.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Adiantum × tracyi C.C. Hall ex W.H. Wagner
• Common Name: Tracy's Maidenhair Fern
• Family: Adiantaceae (mentioned indirectly through its inclusion in the Vittarioideae subfamily of this family)
• Taxonomic Status: Accepted
• Synonyms/Alternative Names: Adiantum tracyi C.C. Hall ex W.H. Wagner (pro. hybr.)

Origin and Hybridization

• Adiantum × tracyi is a naturally occurring sterile hybrid between Adiantum jordanii (California Fan Maidenhair) and Adiantum aleuticum (Western Maidenhair, formerly A. pedatum).
• The hybridization occurs where the ranges of the parent species overlap, particularly in northern California.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to North America, specifically California and potentially further north.

Morphology and Growth Habits

• An evergreen or semi-evergreen fern with black stems and lacy, bright green fronds.
• Reaches a height of up to 30cm.
• Prefers partial to full shade and moist, well-draining, loamy soil.
• Hardy in USDA zones 7-9 (some sources suggest zone 6).

Ecological Role

• As a sterile hybrid, Adiantum × tracyi cannot reproduce via spores. Propagation is limited to vegetative methods.

Quirky Facts

• The plant was first scientifically described in 1956 by C.C. Hall ex W.H. Wagner.

Further Information

• Information can be found in databases such as the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) - TSN 17313.
• Type specimen is located at the University of California Herbarium (UC-249775), collected by J. P. Tracy (6868b).