Western Wetland Flora
Field Office Guide to Plant Species
Adiantum capillus-veneris L.
- Family: Fern (Polypodiaceae)
- Spores: July-September
- Field Marks: Leaves that are much longer than wide distinguish this fern from the northern maiden-hair fern (A. pedatum). Both species have shiny, purple leaf stalks and reproductive structures protected by the recurred edge of the leaves
- Habitat: Stream banks, limestone ledges, around springs.
- Habit: Perennial fern with creeping rhizomes.
- Stems: All underground as creeping rhizomes.
- Leaves: Usually drooping, 2- to 3-pinnate, the leaf segments alternate, obovate, up to 1 1/4 inches long, thin, smooth, some of them round lobed and toothed, on a short stalk; main leaf stalks shiny, purple, up to 8 inches long.
- Sori: Borne under the recurved edges of the leaves.
Return to Species List -- Group 1
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