Another Perfect Plant: Adiantum aleuticum var. subpumilum

Some plants sparkle in the rain and this is one of them. The delicate yet dense pinnae on this minute variety of our native maidenhair fern are perfect for catching and holding water droplets which continue to shimmer long after the showers have passed.  

Subpumilum translates to “smaller than dwarf” and this fern certainly lives up to its name. Topping out at a mere 8” and slowly spreading it is a sweet ground cover for intimate spaces and a lovely addition to shady rock gardens. Naturally occurring on the bluffs of Vancouver Island, this little beauty loves rich soil, good drainage, light shade and plenty of moisture.

Hardy Fern Foundation

PNW Herbaria

Alanna Matteson1 Comment