Adiantum jordanii (California Maidenhair)

Adiantum jordanii (California Maidenhair) is a slowly spreading, evergreen fern forming a fountain of gently arching or pendant, twice divided, delicate fronds adorned with wiry, dark brown to black stems. The light green leaflets are round or fan-shaped, slightly lobed, and finely toothed. The fronds arise in clusters from a short creeping rhizome. California Maidenhairn is an excellent choice for the woodland garden.

Adiantum jordanii (California Maidenhair) is a slowly spreading, evergreen fern forming a fountain of gently arching or pendant, twice divided, delicate fronds adorned with wiry, dark brown to black stems. The light green leaflets are round or fan-shaped, slightly lobed, and finely toothed. The fronds arise in clusters from a short creeping rhizome. California Maidenhairn is an excellent choice for the woodland garden. Native to California, Oregon, and Baja California, California Maidenhair grows in shaded woods, usually in wetter spots such as moist rock outcropping and lower parts of north-facing slopes. Adiantum jordanii is a carrier of a pathogen (Phytophthora ramorum) that causes Sudden Oak Death. The USDA warns to not take cuttings from wild specimens.

  • Grows up to 12-18 in. tall (30-45 cm) and 24-36 in. wide (60-90 cm).
  • A part to full shade lover, it is best grown in moist, well-drained soils. Keep the plant moist year-round as it does not tolerate drying out. Without water, it will go dormant by summer. Tolerates sand and clay soils.
  • Great choice for shady beds and borders, woodlands, and containers.
  • Virtually pest and disease free. Deer resistant.
  • Propagate by spores, division.
  • Native to California, Oregon, and Baja California.

Requirements

Hardiness 9
– 11

Climate Zones 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Ferns
Plant Family Adiantum – Maidenhair Ferns
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spread 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spacing 36″ (90cm)
Water Needs Average, High
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen, Semi-Evergreen
Native Plants United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Oregon
Tolerance Deer
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage