Maidenhair Fern

In this genus there are over 200 species of deciduous, semi-evergreen, or evergreen ferns. The majority are native to tropical America, with a few species in northern temperate regions. Several species are grown as ornamentals. Adiantum capillus-veneris is a graceful fern for mild gardens or as a pot plant. Capillus-veneris means "Venus' hair" and may refer to the Roman goddess of love, who rose from the waves with miraculously dry hair. The foliage is water-repellent. Medicinal uses of the maidenhair fern have been recorded since Classical times. Dioscorides mentioned "adianton" for asthma; Culpeper valued it as "a good remedy for coughs, asthmas, pleurisy, etc., and on account of its being a gentle diuretic also in jaundice and other impurities of the kidneys"; and Gerard claimed it was a hair restorative. It was once popular as sirop de capillaire, a cough mixture made from the rhizomes and fronds, flavored with orange flowers. The hardier A. pedatum from America and Japan is used in similar ways. Adiantum aethiopicum, which occurs in Australia, is used by Aboriginals to soothe bronchial complaints.

Evergreen or semi-evergreen rhizomatous fern, with arching fronds, 4-60cm (18-24in) long, of lobed, fan-shaped leaflets. The undersides of mature leaflets carry red-brown sori.

Common Name:	Maidenhair Fern
Botanical Name:	Adiantum capillus-veneris
Genus:	Adiantum
Family:	Adiantaceae
Location:	Temperate and tropical regions worldwide
Cultivation:	Moist, well-drained soil, enriched with leaf mold and bone meal, in a sheltered, humid, shady position. A plant that temporarily dries out will lose most or all of its fronds, although it usually sprouts again from the base.
Propagation:	By division of rhizomes in early spring; by spores, collected on clean paper and sown in early spring. Spores take about six weeks to germinate.
Harvest:	Plants are cut throughout the summer and are used fresh in infusions, powders, and, in Ayurvedic medicine, as milk decoctions.
Height:	15-35cm (6-14in)
:Width	30cm (12in)
Hardiness:	Z8-10
Parts Used:	Whole Plant
Properties:	A bittersweet, soothing herb that relieves coughing and is also a diuretic and expectorant.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for bronchitis, dry coughs, mucus, and pharyngitis. Externally in hair lotions for dandruff and bald spots caused by ringworm. Used in Ayurvedic medicine as a cooling, moistening remedy for coughs.
Culinary Uses:	Source of "capillaire" flavoring, once popular in England as a basis for soft drinks. Fronds were used as a tea substitute in the Arran Islands, off the coast of western Scotland.
Bibliography:	Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg 103