Description
(syn Adiantum pedatum subpumilum, pedatum aleuticum, pedatum caldera, boreale)
This is a dwarf species long known in cultivation but only comparatively recently recognised in botany. It makes short, creeping and branching rhizomes and equally small plants, which are seldom more than 40cm tall and usually much less. This has been in cultivation for over 50 years (without a proper name or recognition) and during that time, even when brought on from spores, it has maintained its dwarf stature and characteristics.
The stipe is black and bears a pedate fronts each of which is pinnately divided into fan shaped or almost round divisions, often with slightly ruffled edges which lend a very distinctive appearance. The pinnae can be vertical or ascending, unlike the related pedatum (with which it has been confused) in which the pinnae are always horizontal.
A fantastic subject for outside in a moisture retentive, well-drained soil. It really needs shade and it adores humidity. Though it is tolerant it does not always do well in dry conditions but it’s a superb companion plant for those dwarf woodlanders that might get overpowered by anything bigger.
The name aleuticum refers to the Aleutian Islands, that run from the coast of Alaska towards Japan though the plant has a very disjunct distribution from Japan and Alaska, south to Vancouver and then intermittently in mountain areas to Mexico.
