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Northern maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum) is the only maidenhair fern in Ontario, Canada. You’ll find it in deciduous or mixed woods in leaf covered hummus. I find it deep in woods that humans haven’t touched too much. It’s a good sign of that (humans not disturbing an area much) when you see it in the wild. It’s also perhaps our easiest fern to ID, from its tiny fronds in the spring to its delicate umbrella-look once unfurled.
It used to be classified as a polypody fern, which was what we covered in our last feature. But now maidenhairs are in their own maidenhair family. These two fern families do have some resemblance. It could be mistaken for sensitive fern as well.
Medicinal Uses of Maidenhair Fern
Maidenhair fern is primarily said to support these body systems:
- Respiratory
Medicinal tags include Demulcent, Diuretic, Emmenagogue and Expectorant. See Medicinal tag key for more information.
Common usage includes a tea from the fresh leaves to help clear up coughs and congestion. This decoction is usually combined with other herbs in Western herbal medicine.
Western herbals also focus on European maidenhairs. The species walking maidenhair (A. caudatum) specifically adds an antispasmodic element that may be utilized more for an asthmatic cough.
Alternative Uses of Maidenhair Fern
These ferns are named after their traditional use as a hair rinse. I haven’t tried it, but apparently the aerial parts can give your hair a sheen.
The stipe of the plant is used for ornamental purposes in weaving.
Growing Adiantum Pedatum
You can propagate these ferns by using a sterile potting mix in the fall when they have spores, which you can tap onto the surface of the soil. Keep moist while they grow. You can also divide the plants early spring or late fall. They are slow to spread, but look amazing covering an area.
They will grow well in garden beds or along paths, especially in partial shade with moist soil. I prefer them for these formal beds because they are shorter, fitting the typical floral bed better than larger ferns like lady fern. I like them paired with wild ginger (to be featured January 2026!) or heartleaf foamflower. 100 Easy-To-Grow Native Plants (affiliate link) suggests a pairing with black cohosh, cohosh being the feature towering over maidenhair as a groundcover.
WARNINGS
Don’t consume if pregnant or trying to conceive.
And the Usual Cautions:
1) Most medicinal herbs, if edible, are meant to be eaten in moderation, even sparingly. Some require extra preparation. Tannins are toxic if consumed in excess. Before taking any new supplements, you should consult with a healthcare professional.
2) A vast amount of these herbs are diuretic. (See the Medicinal tags above to check if this featured herb is one of them!) Diuretics are generally safe, but they can be risky for people with other medical conditions or who take certain medications. Please consult your doctor if you have any health conditions.
3) People can be allergic or sensitive to nearly any plant; try new herbs one at a time at your own risk. For instance, saponins commonly cause stomach upset.
4) For serious medicinal use, I must recommend receiving a diagnosis and working with a reputed health care provider. I generally do not post specific treatments and dosages because I think that is best between you and your health care provider, and ideally monitored.
5) Anyone pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs should talk to a health care professional before adding new food items to their diet.
6) Many plants have look-a-likes, and sometimes they are poisonous.
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REFERENCES
My new favourite foraging book is Sam Thayer’s Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants of Eastern & Central North America and this plant IS NOT featured in his book. Which to the least means it isn’t a popular edible. I highly recommend this thorough guide for your bookshelves!
https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/grasses/plants/maidenhair_fern.htm
100 Easy-to-Grow Native Plants for Canadian Gardens
The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine
Indian Herbalogy of North America: The Definitive Guide to Native Medicinal Plants and Their Uses
The Herb Book: The Most Complete Catalog of Herbs Ever Published (Dover Cookbooks)
Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments