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Over-the-counter deer firearm permit sales begin on Tuesday, Oct. 20. Due to recent software updates beyond IDNR’s control, some vendors may have limited availability to print permits and licenses. IDNR is working closely with the license system provider to quickly address the issue for those vendors. To locate unaffected vendors, use the agent locator at https://www.exploremoreil.com/agentlocator.

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norther maidenhair

northern maidenhair (Adiantum pedatum)
Illinois Status: common, native
Photo © John Hilty

Features and Behaviors

FEATURES
The northern maidenhair has curved, flat fronds on thin stalks. Each flat frond may attain a length of more than 10 inches. Leaflets are blue-green and arranged five or six per each branch of stalk. The rachis is red-brown. The stipe is smooth and black or dark brown. It may grow to 20 inches in length. The fiddleheads are dark red.

BEHAVIORS
The northern maidenhair may be found statewide in Illinois. It grows in moist, shaded, rich woodlands, especially in ravines or under wet, rock banks. Spores are produced June through September.

Illinois Range

Taxonomy

​Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Pteridophyta
Class: Filicopsida
Order: Polypodiales
Family: Pteridaceae

Habitats

Woodland Habitats
upland deciduous forests