Maidenhair Fern

Scientific name: Adiantum pedatum
Common Name: Maidenhair fern
Plant Family: Pteridaceae, Sub-family: Adiantaceae (Brake family)

Etymology: Adiantum comes from “adiantos,” a Greek word meaning unwetted, a reflection of the water-repelling nature of the leaves (3). The species name pedatum is in reference to the frond shape being similar to a bird foot.

Traditional Uses

Using the leaves and roots is not difficult. The tea brewed from leaves is known to provide relief from mucus and cough or cold related symptoms including soothing sore throats. A tea from the roots and leaves has also been noted to be a menstrual stimulant, and works well as a hair and body rinse (1). Powders of the fern were also known to calm gastrointestinal disorders and headaches (2). Additionally, an administration of an oral decoction of the plant has been used with childbirth to extract the placenta. It is very commonly used in multi-herbal traditional medicines, and is very versatile.

Edible Parts

The leaves and roots are both edible. 

Gathering and Using

The best way to utilize this plant is to make the leaves and roots into a tea. If eating, it is best to cook the fronds to minimize the amounts of harmful enzymes which can reduce the level of vitamin B in the body. 

Permaculture Functions and Considerations

Besides the pollinator and small mammal habitat and food source, the creeping nature of the maidenhair fern rhizomes can be very effective for erosion control. Regardless, the species supplies a vast assortment of medicinal uses and remedies. This plant would be a good option for anyone, especially those in areas with limited light, and limey soils where few other plants can flourish (4). 

Habitat

The native range of A. pedatum includes North America and Asia in Zones 3 to 8. These dainty ferns often grow in moist, well-drained, acidic soil with part shade to full shade. They can be found on wooded slopes and valleys with shady woods.

How to Identify

This fern has incredibly distinct glabrous, black to red-brown stems that emerge pink as fiddleheads. The curved, light green, palmately-divided fronds are quite whimsical, and feature small frilled leaves. The stems of A. pedatum tend to be fairly straight upwards and can reach a high of 2.5’ with a spread of 1.5’, though they often grow in clumps anyway. The clumps stem from rhizomes, which will form expansive colonies in mature forests.

Wildlife Support

Maidenhair ferns grow in dense colonies, which can provide effective cover for small mammals, birds and amphibians (4).

Additional Information

Maidenhair ferns do not have any notable pest or disease problems, but they are susceptible to high heat and sun. They are also deer and rabbit resistant.

Sources

1. Elpel, Thomas J. Botany in a Day. Pony, MT, Hollowtop Outdoor Primitive School, 1998.
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5810381/#:~:text=Traditional%20applications%20of%20Maidenhair%20fern,of%20respiratory%20system%20(4).
3. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=285642
4. https://plantfinder.nativeplanttrust.org/plant/Adiantum-pedatum