Accession Count: 13
Common Name:
Southern maidenhair fern, Venus hair fern
Family Name:
Pteridaceae
Botanical Name:
Adiantum capillus-veneris
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Adiantum capillus-veneris is a deciduous, clumping fern native to temperate and tropical regions in North America, South America, and Eurasia. Its light-green fronds can be bipinnate or tripinnate and have arching black stems. Spores are produced on the underside in the summer; this plant does not flower. (1)
Compound:
Adi cap
Geographic Origin:
Temperate and tropical zones worldwide
Ecozone Origin:
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Cultivation Notes:
Adiantum capillus-veneris grows naturally in the moist cracks of limestone, but will also thrive in moist but well drained soil (1, 2, 3). It requires partial or full shade, and will burn if left in direct sunlight for too long. The plant requires frequent watering in spring and summer, but less in the winter when growth stops. Humid environments are preferred. Hot, dry winds will damage the plant’s health. (3
Ethnobotany:
Adiantum capillus-veneris acts as a diuretic when consumed, and can also be used as an expectorant for respiratory issues (3). There are reports of Native Americans ingesting the plant to treat rheumatism (4) and applying it topically to treat insect stings (5
Height:
0 - 5 feet
Width:
0 - 5 feet
Growth Rate:
Moderate Growing
Grow Season:
Summer
Flower Season:
Color:
Green
Function:
Accent
Spread:
Spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Semi-hardy
Water Use:
Moderate Water Use
