Ontario Ferns website

Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum pedatum

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum) Other common names: Northern Maidenhair Fern

French names: Adiante pédalé 

Family: Maidenhair Fern Family (Pteridaceae)

Distinctive features: Unique form, unmistakable.

Similar species:
  •   Maidenhair Spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes) - similar only in name.


Fronds: Thrice divided

Height: 25-45 cm (10-18 in)

Habitat: Forests

Native/Non-native: Native

Status: Common.

Notes: A strikingly beautiful fern, extremely photogenic!

Photographs: 221 photographs available, of which 12 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.

Range Map is at the bottom of the page

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)

The delicate beauty of Maidenhair Fern is unmistakable. There is no other fern like it in Ontario.

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)

A small grove in the woods.

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)

A nice path on a hillside in the woods.

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)

Maidenhair Fern in October.

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)

Twin plants in the forest.

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)

Closeup view of fronds.

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)

Closer view...

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)

Young unfurling fronds in springtime (early May).

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)

Mid-May.

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)

In the fall (late October).


Range map for Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)

PLEASE NOTE: A coloured Province or State means this species occurs somewhere in that Province/State.
The entire Province/State is coloured, regardless of where in that Province/State it occurs.

(Range map provided courtesy of the USDA website and is displayed here in accordance with their Policies)