Practical
Plants

Adiantum pedatum

Northern Maidenhair

a member of the Adiantum genus in the family Polypodiaceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Growth rate
slow
Height
0.45 m
Spread
0.45 m

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[5]. 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[3].

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The whole plant is considered to be antirheumatic, astringent, demulcent, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, haemostatic, pectoral and tonic[3][8][11]. A tea or syrup is used in the treatment of nasal congestion, asthma, sore throats etc[8]. A decoction of the root was massaged into rheumatic joints[12]. The N. American Indians chewed the fronds and then applied them to wounds to stop bleeding[7]. A strong infusion of the whole plant was has been used as an emetic in the treatment of ague and fevers[12]. This plant was highly valued as a medicinal plant in the 19th century and merits scientific investigation[8].

Product or use
Antirheumatic
Product or use
Astringent
Product or use
Demulcent
Product or use
Emmenagogue
Product or use
Expectorant
Product or use
Febrifuge
Product or use
Haemostatic
Product or use
Pectoral
Product or use
Tonic

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The stipe of the plant is used as an ornament in basketry[3][2]. The leaves can be used as a lining for carrying or storing fruits in baskets and on racks[12]. The plant is used as a hair conditioner[3]. The stems have been used as a hair wash to make the hair shiny[8]. Plants can be used for ground cover when planted about 30cm apart either way, they form a slowly spreading clump[6].

Product or use
Basketry
Product or use
Hair care
Product or use
Lining

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Soil surface

Environment

Range
N. America - Alaska to Quebec and Nova Scotia, south to California and Georgia. E. Asia
Habitat
Moist woods from lowland to middle altitudes in the mountains of Western N. America[13].
Shade tolerance
partial shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 3+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

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.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Easily grown in a cool moist shady position[1][4]. Requires an abundance of moisture in the air and soil[1]. Prefers an alkaline soil[5]. Requires an acid soil according to another report. A very ornamental plant[1], it does not always succeed outdoors in Britain[1]. It probably prefers to be covered in snow overwinter - could a mulch help[1]? Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[9]. Plants have a slowly-increasing rootstock[9].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  2. Wrigley. J. W. and Fagg. M. Australian Native Plants. Collins. (Australia) 1988-00-00 ISBN 0-7322-0021-0

    ↩

  3. Schofield. J. J. Discovering Wild Plants - Alaska, W. Canada and the Northwest.

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  4. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books 1991-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30936-9

    ↩

  5. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2

  6. Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-460-12609-1

    ↩

  7. Weiner. M. A. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books 1980-00-00 ISBN 0-449-90589-6

    ↩

  8. Foster. S. & Duke. J. A. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America. Houghton Mifflin Co. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0395467225

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  9. Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8

    ↩1↩2

  10. Britton. N. L. Brown. A. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada Dover Publications. New York. 1970-00-00 ISBN 0-486-22642-5

  11. 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

    ↩

  12. Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-453-9

    ↩1↩2↩3

  13. Hitchcock. C. L. Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press 1955-00-00

    ↩

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