Maidenhair Ferns (Adiantum sp.) are perennial evergreen foliage plants typically recognized by their shiny, smooth, black stipes, though some neotropical species carry dull, bristly stipes — they are the only genus of the family Adiantaceae. There are over 200 species of maidenhair fern in the world. Like other ferns, they typically spread slowly outward in all directions when happy and will go summer dormant if they get too dry or get too much sun.
To most Americans, the California native Southern Maidenhair (Adiantum capillus-veneris) is what comes to mind when thinking of maidenhair ferns. This fern is native in the Yolo County foothills and in much of the world, though not in Davis itself. It can, however, be grown in Davis, with sufficient moisture, loamy soil, good drainage, and bright or dappled shade. It is also a popular houseplant that can grow happily in a well-lit window indoors. Propagation is by division and from spores.
The Southern maidenhair can grow up to two feet tall, though it more often stays half that height. It has fine, lacy foliage with a graceful, delicate character, its fronds arising in clusters from creeping rhizomes. It can be found in forest, woodland, chaparral, valley grasslands, and canyons up to about 5,000 feet in elevation. It always grows where it is somewhat shaded and in moist but not saturated soil.
The similar-looking native California Maidenhair (Adiantum jordanii) is also native in the Yolo County foothills, at slightly lower elevations than the Southern Maidenhair. It can be found in the wild in Winters and in the Capay Hills. It does not grow above about 2,000 feet in elevation. In Davis, it requires full shade. It is a host for the Sudden Oak Death pathogen.
For a listing of other plants found growing in Davis, visit our Town Flora.
