100 Species #59

Specimen #59

Northern Maidenhair

Adiantum pedatum

Photo by me, July 24, 2009

EFMO, IA

Fan-shaped whorls gave this fern away. After two takes, Mr. TellBlast suggested the composition of the photo you see here.

This fern, and other maiderhairs, likes to grow in rocky places. There are many places at EFMO where visitors can see rocky outcroppings. Shelter and chert tools could come from these outcroppings.

When clustered, the stalks are supposed to look like a maiden's hair. Her hair doesn't grow very long. In this case (and many), the stalk is black, fine, and shiny.