Northern maidenhair fern

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Onglets

Description

This medium-sized fern, also known as the Canadian maidenhair, grows to about half a metre tall. Its frond is made up of many delicate, finely divided leaflets. The segments of the limb (the main part of the frond) are distinctive, resembling the graceful shape of bird wings.

A dark, glossy stipe (or stalk), ranging from purplish brown to black, supports the fronds. Its colour contrasts with the light green of the leaves.

Reproduction

The northern maidenhair reproduces mainly by spores. These give rise to the male and female gametes necessary for the species to reproduce.

The sori (which contain the spores) are located along the margins of the fronds, on the underside of the segments, along the indented edge. They develop in spring and early summer, from May to July.

Once the spores have germinated and fertilization is complete, small green flat structures appear on the underside of the leaves. These structures are called prothalli. They emerge about two weeks after fertilization.

After the prothalli have formed, it takes more than 20 weeks for young fronds to appear.

Northern maidenhair also reproduce through its creeping rhizome, which is usually blackish, like the stalks, and extends horizontally along the ground. When conditions are favourable, this fern species forms dense colonies.

Habitat, distribution

Northern maidenhair is native to North America and is considered a vulnerable species in Quebec.

This fern is typically found in moist, humus-rich soils. Associated with shaded, damp woodlands, it can often be seen growing in the humid ravines of deciduous forests.

The species is widespread throughout the eastern and central United States, particularly in Minnesota, Wisconsin, the Appalachian region, and around the Great Lakes.

In Canada, it is found in Ontario and in some of the Maritime provinces. In Québec, it occurs in the Outaouais, Laurentides, Estrie, and Montérégie regions.

Ecology

This is the most northerly of the ferns in the genus Adiantum, which is thought to include 150 to 200 species. Unlike many other plants, Northern maidenhair fern does not bend in the rain, because the water beads on its waterproof surface.

The increasing rarity of the species is attributed to deforestation, heavy browsing by white-tailed deer, and the destruction of its habitat.

Uses and effects

Northern maidenhair fern is considered the loveliest fern in Québec and is one of the most highly prized by gardeners. It was also one of the first plants in North America to be catalogued.

In French colonial times, maidenhair fern was used to treat pulmonary disease and was sold for that purpose.

In some regions, asbestos mining creates conditions that are just right for the Aleutian variety, which grows on serpentine. The chrysotile from which the asbestos fibres are extracted is a form of serpentine.

Scientific name

Adiantum pedatum

French name

Adiante du Canada

Plant form

Fern

Family

Pteridaceae

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Northern maidenhair fern

Onglets

Description

Reproduction

Habitat, distribution

Ecology

Uses and effects

Scientific name

French name

Plant form

Family

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