WAKE ROBIN FARM, HOME, PENNSYLVANIA 
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum). Unlike any other fern, the American Maidenhair 
is distinguished by tressy softness of the spreading frond at the top of very slender, 
polished, mahogany stem. Difficult to describe with precision; authorities resort to 
“delicate and dainty form and texture; singular and conspicuous grace.” Found 
in slight hollows of moist, rich, hilly woods, under non-acid deciduous trees, as 
maples, birches and beeches, not oak or conifers. Should be planted near the 
house with an eye to its needs, including shallow planting (1 inch of soil), ample 
shade, and constant mulch of proper leaf mold and its own fronds. The black roots 
are wiry and creeping, often at the very surface of the soil, protected by rotting 
leaves. Roots produce fresh fronds continuously, which grow from 1 to 1% feet 
high. 25c each; $2.50 for 12. 
New York Fern (Thelypteris noveboracensis). So different, with its plumy fronds, 
tapering below, like no other fern, with gradually vanishing pinne, the distinctive 
name “Taper Fern,” has been proposed. Medium size, 8 to 15 inches high, foun? 
in dry, cool, shaded woods. A fast spreading ground cover, with slender roots 
creeping just below the surface. Roots give off tufted fronds at frequent intervals, 
adding up to a scattered mass of yellow-green. In two or three years a half-dozen 
plants make a large colony. New York Fern appreciates mulch from leaves of de- 
ciduous trees, like beeches, birches and maples. 25c each; $2.50 for 12. 
Rattlesnake Fern (Botrychium virginianum). Totally unlike the true ferns, this member 
of the Adder’s Tongue Family is a fern ally. The succulent frond rises from a 
fleshy root, spreading in a horizontal triangle of leaves. The main stem continues 
in a fruiting stalk, which carries spore cases in a terminal cluster, well above the 
sterile, horizontal leaves. Height is from 4 to 10 inches. Grows in many condi- 
tions; is best planted deeply in rich moist mold, preferably in dense deciduous 
woods, and in groups. The large, triangular, finely cut green blades are unique. 
25c each. 
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis). A sturdy fern of low thickets and moist, open 
places, with sterile fronds of vivid, yellowish green, and with deeply cut, finger-like 
divisions, which give an exaggerated oak leaf shape. The fruiting frond is erect, 
hard, and thickened with plump, tight lobes, which turn brown after fruiting, and 
survive the winter. From 8 to 16 inches high, the fronds form continuously all 
summer. The root creeps and branches in all directions. The Sensitive Fern is a 
lush counterfoil to its more fluffy fern relatives, good for grouping with denizens 
of the wild wet places. 25¢ each; $2.50 for 12. 
Spleenwort, Ebony (Asplenium platyneuron). Pert, smart, sprightly, this little fern, 
4 to 8 inches long, with its rigid fertile fronds, and evergreen sterile fronds, adds 
jauntiness to the rock garden. Adaptable to any situation, it chooses, when it may, 
the vicinity of large boulders, and seeks stony or shaly ground, however poor, in 
full sun, in partial or deep shade. May be planted in thin layers of dirt on little 
cliffs and rocky outcrops, the upper edges of gravel banks, and road berm. On the 
other hand, it welcomes good feeding, strays into shady woods, and luxuriates in 
black leaf mold anywhere, especially if there is a stony or shaly admixture. It 
seems to be a fern of complete versatility. The good root system and the soft little 
crowns should be firmly planted at ground level. The “Ebony” part of the name 
applies to the stems of the fronds, a dark and glossy brown. 25c each. 
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