Aleutian Maidenhair
(Adiantum aleuticum)
Aleutian Maidenhair (Adiantum aleuticum)
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Ellyne Geurts
Public Domain
Image By:
Ellyne Geurts
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Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Ellyne Geurts | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Ellyne Geurts | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-04-26T11:39:31-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Adiantum aleuticum, commonly known as Aleutian Maidenhair, is a deciduous fern native to cool, moist forests, and streambanks in western North America, from Alaska to California, and eastward to Wyoming. It is also found in parts of Asia. This fern typically grows 18-30 inches tall and wide, with delicate, fan-shaped fronds that are 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) tall. The fronds are light to medium green with distinctive dark brown to black stems, creating a striking contrast. Aleutian Maidenhair blooms inconspicuously, as ferns do not produce flowers but reproduce via spores.
Aleutian Maidenhair is valued for its graceful appearance and is often used in shaded garden areas, woodland gardens, and along water features where its natural beauty can be showcased. It thrives in moist, humus-rich soil and benefits from regular watering, especially during dry periods. This fern prefers part shade to full shade, mimicking its native understory habitat. It is hardy in USDA zones 3–8, making it a versatile choice for many temperate gardens. While generally low-maintenance, it can be sensitive to drought and excessive sun. Aleutian Maidenhair is not known for being invasive or having aggressive roots, making it a safe choice for most garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0
Aleutian Maidenhair is valued for its graceful appearance and is often used in shaded garden areas, woodland gardens, and along water features where its natural beauty can be showcased. It thrives in moist, humus-rich soil and benefits from regular watering, especially during dry periods. This fern prefers part shade to full shade, mimicking its native understory habitat. It is hardy in USDA zones 3–8, making it a versatile choice for many temperate gardens. While generally low-maintenance, it can be sensitive to drought and excessive sun. Aleutian Maidenhair is not known for being invasive or having aggressive roots, making it a safe choice for most garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Fern
- Height: 1-2.5 feet
- Width: 1-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous, Semi-Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: High
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Cool, moist forests, and streambanks in western North America and parts of Asia
Other Names
Common Names: Western Maidenhair Fern, Aleutian Maidenhair-Fern, Five-Finger Fern, Aleutian Maidenhair Fern, Adiante Des Aléoutiennes
Scientific Names: , Adiantum aleuticum, Adiantum pedatum var. aleuticum, Adiantum pedatum subsp. aleuticum, Adiantum boreale, Adiantum pedatum f. aleuticum,
GBIF Accepted Name: Adiantum aleuticum (Rupr.) C.A.Paris