Plant of the day: maidenhair fern

A cascade of delicate fronds trickles down the side of a hill. This is California maidenhair fern (Adiantum jordanii), one of the most beautiful ferns around. It’s tiny round leaflets are suspended from a black, hair-thin stalk; the overall effect is reminiscent of a mobile designed by Calder.

This native fern can be found growing in damp, shady places throughout most of California and into Oregon.