Maidenhair fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris) is a delicate lacy-looking, drooping fern with distinctive fan-shaped leaf segments. The name Adiantum comes from the Greek word ‘adiantos’ meaning unwettable because the fronds shed water. While the species name is taken from the Latin words ‘capillus,’ or hair and ‘veneris,’ Venus, thus giving it’s common name “Hair of Venus.”
The maidenhair fern is found in shaded, moist areas where it typically grows on rock faces and in crevices of cliffs and along streams and rivers.
In Australia, the maidenhair fern is listed as threatened while in Canada, British Colombia, it is a red-listed species and considered Endangered!
The maidenhair fern has a long history of medicinal use and was the main ingredient of a popular cough syrup called “Capillaire,” which remained in use until the nineteenth century.
Published by Amy on: Oct 21, 2014
#adiantum #maidenhairfern #fern #whatsgrowingtuesday #wherewaterfalls #lomamar #sfbayarea
