Adiantum aleuticum 'Imbricatum'

Dwarf Western Maidenhair Fern

This plant is not currently for sale. This is an archive page preserved for informational use.

Shop Available Adiantum
Write a review
| Ask a Question

Item #: 9827

Zones: 3a to 8b

Dormancy: Winter

Height: 10" tall

Culture: Part Sun to Light Shade

Origin: United States

Pot Size: 3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L)


Although the name indicates this fern is from the Aleutian Islands, Adiantum aleuticum is actually native throughout the western United States and into northern Mexico. Adiantum aleuticum can also be found in a few eastern US states (Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Wisconsin). Adiantum aleuticum is similar in form to Adiantum pedatum with its fan-shaped, finger-like fronds atop a thin black stalk. The cultivar Adiantum aleuticum 'Imbricatum' is a dwarf form of this lovely clumping deciduous fern that matures at 10" tall, about half the height of the typical species. Adiantum aleuticum is much more robust in a moist environment with a few hours of morning sun.

Growing Conditions:

Aleutian Northern maidenhair fern prefers a cool, moist soil, but thrives in hot, humid climates as long as the soil doesn't stay dry for extended periods. The North American native Adiantum aleuticum often occurs naturally on calcium-rich soils, although they also perform well in woodland garden conditions on slightly acidic soils. They prefer light, open shade and do not thrive well in either part of full sun conditions.

Garden Maintenance:

Because Adiantum aleuticum is deciduous, it really doesn't require any garden maintenance since it dies back to the ground on its own in fall. There are not any significant pest issues for this and most other maidenhair ferns. If you continue to plant in your shade garden, be sure to mark your clumps while they are in foliage to keep from losing track of them while they are dormant.

Nomenclature:

Adiantum pedatum is often confused with Adiantum aleuticum, which has a more Northerly distribution as well as being most prevalent in the US Pacific Northwest.