Nature Reflections June 30/04
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The Maidenhair Fern
Stopping on a quiet backcountry road to listen for birds, I realized I was standing beside a colony of Maidenhair Fern. This delicate, lacy plant has to be the most beautiful of our native ferns. Growing to a height of about two feet on wiry brown to black stalks, these polished stalks fork into two parts which curve to form semi-circles growing outward in a flat, fan-like position with numerous soft, bright green leaflets. These leaflets flutter in the slightest breeze, and since it grows in shady, moist areas, give the impression of coolness.
Our Maidenhair Fern, or more correctly the Northern Maidenhair Fern, is a member of a large genus or family that is found mainly in the tropics, particularly the South American Andes. Its Latin name is Adiantum pedantum, with adiantum coming from the Greek adiantos, which means unwetted and refers to the way the fern fronds repel water. The fronds or leaves arise from creeping rootstocks or rhizomes that may take many years to reach the size of a saucer. If found in favourable conditions of rich soil the fronds may reach a size of 16" by 10", and the fronds of the colony by which I was standing cascaded over several square feet. In the fall, the bright, bluish-green foliage will change to an attractive yellow display. In the spring the emerging fiddleheads are pinkish in colour.
In the nineteenth century these ferns were highly valued for their medicinal properties, particularly as an herbal tea for a variety of conditions and are still used by some herbalists. Indians apparently used the stems as a hair wash to make their hair shiny.
Because of the beauty and grace of the maidenhair ferns, nurseries may have several different varieties or cultivars available, which may be used indoors as potted or hanging plants, or outdoors on patios or in fern gardens. Outdoors all need to be planted in a cool site, with part to full shade and in rich, moist soil, and need to be kept moist at all times. If the soil dries out, even briefly, the foliage will quickly turn brown, and appear dead, but they have a Lazarus quality, which means they can come back to life from what appears to be death, even after several months.
Our native Northern Maidenhair Fern is a beautiful addition to our landscape - enjoy!
Observations: While the black flies seem to have disappeared, the mosquitoes are still hungry, and now the deer and horse flies are looking for their victims. An immature American Woodcock and an adult were on the road early June 17. Thanks to those who have given information on nesting birds! Share your observations; call Jean at 268-2518 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
