Southern Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum capillus-veneris
Care
part shade
moderate
Medium; Best in moist loamy soil, tolerates clay.
0–1ft tall , 2–2ft wide
Deciduous
Resistant
Friendly
Moist canyons and riparian areas throughout California, particularly in the Coast Ranges and Sierra Nevada foothills, below 3000 ft elevation.
Wildlife Supported
Insects
Specialist leafhopper host-specific to maidenhair ferns
Rust fungus species-specific to Adiantum capillus-veneris
Sap-feeding aphid colonizing fern fronds
Parasitoid wasp using fern-feeding insects as hosts for larval development
Thrips feeding on fern frond tissues and cell contents
Birds
Fern fronds provide nesting cover and insect foraging microhabitat during breeding season
Aquatic bird grazing on fern vegetation in marshes and ponds
Opportunistic gleaning of insects and vegetation
Dabbling duck consuming fern fronds in wetland habitats