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Uses

Toxic parts

Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[1]. 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[2].

Edible uses

There are no edible uses listed for Adiantum pedatum.

Material uses

The stipe of the plant is used as an ornament in basketry[2][3].

The leaves can be used as a lining for carrying or storing fruits in baskets and on racks[4]. The plant is used as a hair conditioner[2]. The stems have been used as a hair wash to make the hair shiny[5].

Plants can be used for ground cover when planted about 30cm apart either way, they form a slowly spreading clump[6].

Unknown part

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The whole plant is considered to be antirheumatic, astringent, demulcent, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, haemostatic, pectoral and tonic[2][5][7]. A tea or syrup is used in the treatment of nasal congestion, asthma, sore throats etc[5]. A decoction of the root was massaged into rheumatic joints[4]. The N. American Indians chewed the fronds and then applied them to wounds to stop bleeding[8].

A strong infusion of the whole plant was has been used as an emetic in the treatment of ague and fevers[4].

This plant was highly valued as a medicinal plant in the 19th century and merits scientific investigation[5].

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Soil surface

Ecological Functions

Ground cover

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

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.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Adiantum pedatum. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Easily grown in a cool moist shady position[9][10]. Requires an abundance of moisture in the air and soil[9]. Prefers an alkaline soil[1]. Requires an acid soil according to another report.

A very ornamental plant[9], it does not always succeed outdoors in Britain[9]. It probably prefers to be covered in snow overwinter - could a mulch help[9]? Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[11].

Plants have a slowly-increasing rootstock[11].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Adiantum pedatum. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Adiantum pedatum.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Adiantum pedatum
Genus
Adiantum
Family
Polypodiaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
3
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
Shade
partial shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    ?
    Growth Rate
    Mature Size
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    ?
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type

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    "image:Adiantum pedatum (homeredwardprice) 001.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Adiantum pedatum (homeredwardprice) 001.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:Adiantum pedatum (homeredwardprice) 001.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Adiantum pedatum (homeredwardprice) 001.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

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    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.2 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.12.22.32.42.5 Schofield. J. J. Discovering Wild Plants - Alaska, W. Canada and the Northwest. ()
    3. ? 3.03.1 Wrigley. J. W. and Fagg. M. Australian Native Plants. Collins. (Australia) ISBN 0-7322-0021-0 (1988-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.24.34.4 Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. ISBN 0-88192-453-9 (1998-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.25.35.45.5 Foster. S. & Duke. J. A. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America. Houghton Mifflin Co. ISBN 0395467225 (1990-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.1 Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons ISBN 0-460-12609-1 (1990-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.1 Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. (1986-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.1 Weiner. M. A. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books ISBN 0-449-90589-6 (1980-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.19.29.39.4 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    10. ? Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30936-9 (1991-00-00)
    11. ? 11.011.1 Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)
    12. ? Hitchcock. C. L. Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press (1955-00-00)
    13. ? Britton. N. L. Brown. A. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada Dover Publications. New York. ISBN 0-486-22642-5 (1970-00-00)

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    Facts about "Adiantum pedatum"RDF feed
    Article is incompleteYes +
    Article requires citationsNo +
    Article requires cleanupYes +
    Belongs to familyPolypodiaceae +
    Belongs to genusAdiantum +
    Functions asGround cover +
    Has binomial nameAdiantum pedatum +
    Has common nameNorthern Maidenhair +
    Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
    Has growth rateSlow +
    Has hardiness zone3 +
    Has imageAdiantum pedatum (homeredwardprice) 001.jpg +
    Has material partUnknown part +
    Has material useBasketry +, Hair care + and Lining +
    Has mature height0.45 +
    Has mature width0.45 +
    Has medicinal partUnknown part +
    Has medicinal useAntirheumatic +, Astringent +, Demulcent +, Emmenagogue +, Expectorant +, Febrifuge +, Haemostatic +, Pectoral + and Tonic +
    Has primary imageAdiantum pedatum (homeredwardprice) 001.jpg +
    Has search nameadiantum pedatum + and northern maidenhair +
    Has shade tolerancePartial shade +
    Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral + and Alkaline +
    Has soil texture preferenceSandy +, Loamy + and Clay +
    Has soil water retention preferenceWell drained +
    Has taxonomic rankSpecies +
    Has taxonomy nameAdiantum pedatum +
    Has water requirementsmoderate +
    Inhabits ecosystem nicheSoil surface +
    Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
    PFAF cultivation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF edible use notes migratedYes +
    PFAF material use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF medicinal use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF propagation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF toxicity notes migratedNo +
    Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
    Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +
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