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Adiantum capillus veneris
Southern Maidenhair Fern, Venus Hair Fern, Venus Maidenhair Fern, Common Maidenhair

Photo by Balles 2601

Southern Maidenhair Fern is a clumping, deciduous fern cultivated worldwide for its delicate, frilly looks and hardy nature. It is native to a huge part of the Earth, in temperate and tropical regions from the Southern half of the U.S. to Central America, South America, Europe, large parts of Asia and Africa, thriving in moist (but not saturated) habitats in warm climates. It is endangered in North Carolina, due to loss of Appalachian habitat. The plant is small, rarely more than 12 inches in height, and attractively delicate with fronds composed of triangular, lobed pinnules held in flat planes which flutter in a breeze. It is found in neutral to basic soils.

Last Updated: August 2, 2021

Key Info

Scientific Name: Adiantum capillus-veneris L.
Common Names: Southern Maidenhair Fern, Venus Hair Fern, Venus Maidenhair Fern, Common Maidenhair
Family Name: Pteridaceae (Maidenhair Fern Family)
Plant Type: Fern
Uses: Woodland Garden, Rock gardens
Light Requirement: Dappled sun, Full shade-bright, Partial/shady, Full Shade
Moisture Requirement: Moist well drained
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Bloom Times: n/a
Special Characteristics: Deer resistant, Rhizomatous, Tolerates full shade, Interesting form, Bog Edge Plant

Additional Info

Habit: The fronds arise in clusters from creeping rhizomes, with very delicate, light green fronds much subdivided into pinnae 0.2 to 0.4 in long and broad; the frond rachis is black and wiry.
Height: 6"-20"
Spread: 6"-20"
Growth Rate: Moderate
Soil Conditions: moist well drained, rich sand, loam or limestone, alkaline to neutral pH
Leaves: The leaves are a blueish-green color and water repellent. The petiole and rachis are dark black, glabrous, wiry, and flexuous, the fronds arching or pendent. The ultimate segments of the fronds (pinnules) are fan-shaped with deeply lobed margins.
Fruit: No fruit, spores are evident June/July.
Natural Distribution: temperate climates from warm-temperate to tropical, where the moisture content is high but not saturating.moist sandstone cliffs,in full or partial shade
USDA Hardiness Zone: 6 to 9
USDA Wetland Indicator Status in NC: FACU (Atlantic & Gulf coastal plain) UPL (Eastern mts & piedmont)
Pharmacology: Is thought to be useful in reducing hair loss.
Cultural Notes: Native American Indians used the plant for rheumatism. An infusion of plant was also used as a lotion for bumblebee or centipede stings.
Downside: The pH requirement of this plant is much higher than the majority of other plants native to our area, and must be cultivated as such. Without watering, it will go dormant by July.
Propagation: Division
Other Notes: tolerant of deep shade
USDA/NRCS Plant Distribution Map: View Map at USDA.gov
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Office/Jen/Bill:  919-542-6186

Who we are

Cure Nursery is a small nursery propagating and selling native plants for the Southeastern U.S. We are located near the town of Pittsboro, Chatham County, in central NC.

our hours

Cure Nursery operates by appointment only. Call us or email us to place an order for pick up or to arrange a time to come visit the nursery.

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