Adiantum pedatum
| Scientific Name: | Adiantum pedatum |
| Synonym: | |
| Family: | Pteridaceae |
| Common Name: | Maidenhair Fern |
| Authority: | Linnaeus |
| Etymology: | Adiantum is Greek for "unwetted" referring to the fronds tendency to repel water and pedatum refers to the pedate leaf arrangement |
| C Value: | 6 |
| Wetness: | FAC- |
| # of Species in Genus in Illinois: | 1 |
| Duration: | Perennial |
| Reproduction: | Spore-Producing |
| Flower Type: | |
| Flower Shape: | N/A |
| Flower # of Parts: | N/A |
| Flower Color: | |
| Growth Habit: | Fern |
| Leaf Arrangement: | Whorled |
| Leaf Type: | Palmate Compound |
| Leaf Shape: | Oval (widest at middle) |
| Leaf Shape Term: | |
| Leaf Margin: | Toothed |
| Leaf Toothing: | |
| Stem Surface: | Glabrous (smooth) |
| Trunk/Bark: | N/A |
| Armature: | None |
| Twig Characteristics: | |
| Habitat: | Forest |
| Distribution: | BONAP Distribution Map |
| Status (State): | Not Listed |
| Status (Federal): | Not Listed |
| ID Tips: | The leaflets are fan-shaped and look similar to the maidenhair tree, Gingko biloba. |
| Gee Whiz: | The shape of the frond is named after the hair of the maiden, the fan shape resembling pubic hair. |
| Humor: | The common name of this fern suggests a sexual motivation, which Linneaus was prone to have when naming plants. |
| More Info: | Illinois Wildflowers Search |