The most showy of the Pteridaceae, the Adaintum ferns are some of the most beautiful in Tennessee. We are fortunate to have two species of this genus in our state, and they are quite easily distinguisable from each other. 

This gorgeous fern truly lives up to its common name with long, flowing fronds- resembling the hair of a maiden. 

This fern has a quite interesting distribution, and our state lies at its northern boundary, according to the GBIF database. Further, it has only been documented in a few Tennessee counties.  If you want to increase your chance of finding this fern, look on rocky surfaces ("Guide"). 

Distinguishing this fern from the other Adiantum species is very easy. The key to identifying this species is to look for the pinnate arrangement of the leaves- giving the plant an overall look of luscious locks of green hair ("Guide"). 

A. pedatum is a classic fern for beginning botanists to learn, thanks to its stunning color pallet and unique morphology.

This is the more common and widely distributed of the two species; it is documented in almost every Tennessee county. You will often find it growing on wooded slopes ("Guide").

Identifying A. pedatum is an easy task. It has a brilliant, black stipe with the foliage growing in a fan like pattern (Evans).  

A fun tip to remember the species name for this fern, the foliage radiates out to look like an elephant's footprint, which matches the latin root of ped- meaning foot. Also, when you see this fern in the wild, gently run your fingers over the fronds and you will feel compelled to say "Oooo". 

Evans, A. Murray. Ferns & Fern Allies of the Smokies. Great Smoky Mountains Association, 2005. 

Guide to the Vascular Plants of Tennessee. The University of Tennessee Press, 2015.