Common Name: Maidenhair Fern

General Information

Maidenhair fern is an evergreen, perennial fern growing about 30cm tall, forming a spreading clump by means of slender, slowly-creeping rhizomes[].
The plant has a long history of medicinal use, and is often gathered from the wild for this purpose. It is also sometimes used as a food and source of materials. A very ornamental plant[], it is often cultivated in gardens in warm temperate to tropical regions.

Known Hazards

Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[].
Many ferns also contain thiaminase, an enzyme that robs the body of its vitamin B complex. In small quantities this enzyme will do no harm to people eating an adequate diet that is rich in vitamin B, though large quantities can cause severe health problems. The enzyme is destroyed by heat or thorough drying, so cooking the plant will remove the thiaminase[].

Botanical References

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Range

Tropical and warm temperate zones throughout the world, including Britain

Habitat

Rock crevices, cliffs by the sea on basic rocks in damp positions[, ]. On limestone near running streams, bottom of limestone caves, cliffs wet with dripping water; at elevations from 100 - 2,800 metres in Cina[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Fern
Height	0.30 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Adiantum capillus-veneris can be found growing wild from the warmer regions of the temperate zone right through to the tropics - its main requirement is moisture and so it is often found growing on wet rocks.
Requires an abundance of moisture in the air and in the soil[], though the soil should be well-drained[]. Likes a position with plenty of light but dislikes full sun[]. Prefers a sheltered shady position[]. If the plant dries out temporarily it will lose most of its fronds, though it will usually resprout from the base[].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[].

Edible Uses

The fronds are used as a garnish on sweet dishes[].

The dried fronds are used to make a tea[, , , , ].

A syrup is made from the plant - it makes a refreshing summer drink[, ]. The fern (does this refer to the rootstock?) is simmered in water for several hours and the liquid made into a thick syrup with sugar and orange water. It is then mixed with fruit juices to make a refreshing drink.

Medicinal

The maidenhair fern has a long history of medicinal use and was the main ingredient of a popular cough syrup called 'Capillaire', which remained in use until the nineteenth century[]. The plant is little used in modern herbalism.
The fresh or dried leafy fronds are antidandruff, antitussive, astringent, demulcent, depurative, emetic, weakly emmenagogue, emollient, weakly expectorant, febrifuge, galactagogue, laxative, pectoral, refrigerant, stimulant, sudorific and tonic[, , , , , , , , , ]. A tea or syrup is used in the treatment of coughs, throat afflictions and bronchitis[]. It is also used as a detoxicant in alcoholism[] and to expel worms from the body[]. Externally, it is used as a poultice on snake bites, bee stings etc[, , ]. In Nepal, a paste made from the fronds is applied to the forehead to relieve headaches and to the chest to relieve chest pains[].
The plant is best used fresh, though it can also be harvested in the summer and dried for later use[, ].

Agroforestry Uses:

The growing plant is an indicator of calcareous soils[].

Other Uses

The leaves are used as a hair tonic and to make a shampoo that is used as a treatment for dandruff[, , , ].

The black, glossy stalks are worked into ornamental baskets and mats[].

Propagation

Spores - best sown as soon as ripe on the surface of a humus-rich sterilized soil. Keep the compost moist, preferably by putting a plastic bag over the pot. Germination should take place within 6 weeks[]. Pot on small clumps of plantlets as soon as they are large enough to handle and keep humid until they are well established. Do not plant outside until the ferns are at least 2 years old and then only in a very well sheltered position.
Division in spring or autumn. Best carried out in early spring[].