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Himalayan Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum venustum)

Himalayan Maidenhair
Frond detail
Clump
Habitat

Overview

The Himalayan Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum venustum) is a delicate, evergreen fern with distinctive fan-shaped pinnae on wiry black stems. It forms a low, spreading groundcover in cool, moist shade.

Taxonomy

Family:	Pteridaceae
Genus:	Adiantum (ad-ee-AN-tum)
Species:	venustum (ven-NUSS-tum)

Description

Fronds are 15–30 cm long, bipinnate, with small, wedge-shaped pinnae that are bright green. Stipes and rachises are black, polished, and wiry. The plant spreads slowly by short rhizomes.

Habitat and Cultivation

Native to Himalayan rock crevices and moist banks. Prefers cool, moist, well-drained soil in partial to full shade. Hardy in USDA zones 5–8. Excellent for rock gardens, walls, and woodland floors.

Ferns: Walking Fern (Asplenium rhizophyllum): Unique Fern That "Walks" Across Rocks; Log Fern (Dryopteris celsa): Tall, Hybrid Wood Fern for Moist Shade; 'Pacific Maid' Delta Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum raddianum): Compact, Vigorous Cultivar; 'Argentine Lace' Meadow-Rue Maidenhair (Adiantum thalictroides): Ultra-Fine, Lacy Cultivar; Woodwardia unigemmata: Chain Fern; Pyrrosia hastata: Felt Fern; Adder's-tongue Fern (Ophioglossum vulgatum); California Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum jordanii); Tracy's Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum × tracyi); Japanese Brake Fern (Pteris nipponica): Elegant Variegated Fern for Shade

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Plants

Himalayan Hydrangea (Hydrangea heteromalla): A Graceful Species for Shade Gardens

Maidenhair Tree (Ginkgo biloba): The Living Fossil with Unique Fan-Shaped Leaves

Fern Tree (Filicium decipiens): Graceful Shade for Tropics

Dixie Wood Fern (Dryopteris × australis): Robust Hybrid Fern for Southern Gardens

Bladder Fern / Bulblet Fern (Cystopteris bulbifera): Delicate Fern with Bulblets for Easy Propagation

Thelypteris decursive-pinnata: Japanese Beech Fern

Brittle Maidenhair Fern 'Farleyense' (Adiantum tenerum 'Farleyense')