Evergreen Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum venustum
Family: Polypodiaceae
What it is like
Form: Spreading or horizontal.
Adiantum venustum is an evergreen Fern growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Rock crevices and on forest slopes, 1700 - 2200 metres in Kashmir. Moist, shady, rocky places in Nepal at elevations of 300 - 3,600 metres.
E. Asia - Himalayas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The fronds are astringent, diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue, expectorant, resolvent and tonic They are used in the treatment of headaches and scorpion stings. A paste made from the rhizomes is used in Nepal to treat cuts and wounds.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Emetic: Induces vomiting.
Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.
Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
Resolvent: Breaks down tumors. This might be placed under antitumor.
Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
Other
Rating:
This species can be grown as a ground cover plant in a shady position, forming a spreading carpet of growth.
Ground cover: Ground Cover
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Foundation, Ground cover, Woodland garden. Requires an abundance of moisture in the air and soil. Prefers an alkaline soil. Requires an acid soil in another report. Plants are quick to establish on peat banks or in rock crevices in light shade or, if the soil is not too dry, under trees. A very ornamental plant, it is nearly hardy in sheltered places in Britain, though is more normally grown in a greenhouse. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer. Special Features: Attractive foliage, Not North American native, There are no flowers or blooms.
Propagating it: 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. Pot on small clumps of plantlets as soon as they are large enough to handle and keep them 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 place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover;
Habit: Fern
Hardiness: 9-11
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
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.