Adiantum capillus-veneris

Adiantum capillus-veneris is a distinctive deciduous fern with dark purple to black wirey stems and fan-like soft green pinules (leaflets). A delicate fern that will form colonies in locations with bright filtered light and good air circulation. Likes limey soil. Native to US along moist ledges and crevices of dolomite bluffs and boulders along rivers, streams and springs. This native fern is widespread but scattered primarily in the southern half of the U.S. Photos courtesy of Alan Cressler.