Maidenhair Fern

Southern Maidenhair Fern

(Adiantum capillus-veneris)

During one of my many hikes along the Guadalupe River

I found a game trail to wander along
which led me through a magical section of limestone ledge

secreted away beneath the canopy of trees.

Cheating just a little, I e-mailed the pictures to Little Sister, 

my own personal Fern Lady, who promptly identified the ferns as

Southern Maidenhair Ferns,

also known as Venus'-hair Fern

or Black Maidenhair Fern (for the shiny black stems).

Mostly found in the lower half of the United States,

Southern Maidenhair Fern has a fluffy, lacy foliage.

Because moisture is always present at this site,

it is attached directly on the rock

and lends graceful character

to an otherwise harsh environment.

"Maidenhair fern is the source of a pleasantly aromatic volatile oil long used as a rinse or shampoo that rendered black hair very shiny, hence the name Maidenhair." 

(http://peacebella.blogspot.com/2006/04/facts-about-maidenhair-fern.html)

"The Maidenhair Fern is so named because its roots have fine and delicate hairs, like the hair of Venus."

(http://www.sierrapotomac.org/W_Needham/MaidenhairFern_051209.htm)

However it actually became named,

the Maidenhair Fern is delicate and elegant

and delightful to happen upon. 

Simply put, it was

 'eye-candy' during the brown months of winter!