SafePlants

Green Mountain Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum viridimontanum)

The Green Mountain maidenhair fern (Adiantum viridimontanum) is a rare fern primarily found in specific locations in North America.

Considerations for Pets

• This is a forb/herb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass).

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Adiantum viridimontanum C.A. Paris
• Common Name: Green Mountain maidenhair fern
• Family: Adiantaceae (also listed as Pteridaceae)
• Genus: Adiantum
• Rank: Species
• Author: Paris

Distribution and Habitat

• This rare endemic fern is primarily found in northern Vermont and Maine, and southern Quebec.
• It specifically inhabits steep cliffs and talus slopes composed of serpentine rock outcrops.
• Fewer than 20 locations worldwide are known to host this fern.

Morphological Characteristics

• It is described as a delicate, small to medium-sized fern.
• It can reach up to 2.5 feet in height.
• It is categorized as a forb/herb, indicating a non-woody, non-grass plant.

Ecological Role

• The presence of this fern can indicate specialized geological conditions, such as the presence of serpentine rock.

Interesting Information

• Adiantum viridimontanum is an allopolyploid fern, meaning it originated as a hybrid between two other species of Adiantum.
• The Green Mountain maidenhair fern requires regular watering, ensuring the soil dries out slightly between waterings.

Further Resources

• Discover Life offers a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Adiantum viridimontanum.