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Adiantum pedatum - L.

Common Name Northern Maidenhair,American Maidenhair Fern
Family Polypodiaceae
USDA hardiness 4-9
Known Hazards Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[200]. Many ferns also contain thiaminase, an enzyme that robs the body of its vitamin B complex. In small quantities this enzyme will do no harm to people eating an adequate diet that is rich in vitamin B, though large quantities can cause severe health problems. The enzyme is destroyed by heat or thorough drying, so cooking the plant will remove the thiaminase[172].
Habitats Rich, deciduous woodlands, often on humus-covered talus slopes and moist lime soils, from sea level to 700 metres[270].
Range N. America - Alaska to Quebec and Nova Scotia, south to California and Georgia. E. Asia
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade
Adiantum pedatum Northern Maidenhair,American Maidenhair  Fern


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_talk:Wsiegmund
Adiantum pedatum Northern Maidenhair,American Maidenhair  Fern
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_talk:Wsiegmund

 

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Summary

Form: Irregular or sprawling.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of fern
Adiantum pedatum is a FERN growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a slow rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. The seeds ripen from August to October.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover;

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antirheumatic  Astringent  Demulcent  Emmenagogue  Expectorant  Febrifuge  Haemostatic  Pectoral  
Tonic

The whole plant is considered to be antirheumatic, astringent, demulcent, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, haemostatic, pectoral and tonic[172, 222, 240]. A tea or syrup is used in the treatment of nasal congestion, asthma, sore throats etc[222]. A decoction of the root was massaged into rheumatic joints[257]. The N. American Indians chewed the fronds and then applied them to wounds to stop bleeding[213]. A strong infusion of the whole plant was has been used as an emetic in the treatment of ague and fevers[257]. This plant was highly valued as a medicinal plant in the 19th century and merits scientific investigation[222].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Basketry  Hair  Lining

The stipe of the plant is used as an ornament in basketry[172, 157]. The leaves can be used as a lining for carrying or storing fruits in baskets and on racks[257]. The plant is used as a hair conditioner[172]. The stems have been used as a hair wash to make the hair shiny[222]. Plants can be used for ground cover when planted about 30cm apart either way, they form a slowly spreading clump[208].

Special Uses

Food Forest  Ground cover

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Container, Foundation, Ground cover, Massing, Rock garden, Woodland garden. Easily grown in a cool moist shady position[1, 187]. Requires an abundance of moisture in the air and soil[1]. Prefers an alkaline soil[200]. Requires an acid soil according to another report. A very ornamental plant[1], it does not always succeed outdoors in Britain[1]. It probably prefers to be covered in snow overwinter - could a mulch help[1]? This species is often divided into three separate species by botanists - the type species is found in eastern N. America, A. aleuticum is found in western N. America and a third species is found in eastern Asia[270]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233]. Plants have a slowly-increasing rootstock[233]. Special Features:Attractive foliage, North American native, Naturalizing, Wetlands plant, There are no flowers or blooms. The plant is heat tolerant in zones 8 through 1. (Plant Hardiness Zones show how well plants withstand cold winter temperatures. Plant Heat Zones show when plants would start suffering from the heat. The Plant Heat Zone map is based on the number of "heat days" experienced in a given area where the temperature climbs to over 86 degrees F (30°C). At this temperature, many plants begin to suffer physiological damage. Heat Zones range from 1 (no heat days) to 12 (210 or more heat days). For example Heat Zone. 11-1 indicates that the plant is heat tolerant in zones 11 through 1.) For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. The plant growth habit is a clumper with limited spread [1-2]. The root pattern is rhizomatous with underground stems sending roots and shoots along their length [1-2].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Spores - best sown as soon as ripe on the surface of a humus-rich sterilized soil. Keep the compost moist, preferably by putting a plastic bag over the pot. Pot on small clumps of plantlets as soon as they are large enough to handle and keep them humid until they are well established. Do not plant outside until the ferns are at least 2 years old and then only in a very well sheltered position. Division in spring or autumn.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Adiantum capillus-venerisMaidenhair Fern, Common maidenhair, Southern Maidenhair Fern, Venus Maidenhair Fern, Venus's Hair FeFern0.3 8-11 SLMHSM221
Adiantum venustumEvergreen Maidenhair FernFern0.3 9-11 MLMHSM013
Asplenium adiantum-nigrumBlack SpleenwortFern0.5 5-9  LMFSM022

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Botanical References

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Subject : Adiantum pedatum  
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