Adiantum pedatum (Northern maidenhair fern)

Adiantum pedatum Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner


Be the first to rate this plant

Plant Showcase - from our advertisers


Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Adiantum pedatum ad-ee-AN-tum ped-AY-tum Common Name: Northern maidenhair fern Genus: Adiantum

Northern maidenhair fern's curved fronds have wiry black stems that wave in the wind. This plant spreads slowly (by branching rhizomes) and eventually forms large colonies. Its delicate texture looks most beautiful when paired with broad-leaved plants.


Noteworthy characteristics: Native.
Care: Moist, well-drained soil. To keep the frilly fronds looking good, supply water during the growing season.
Propagation:

By division or from spores.


Problems:

 


Height 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Habit Spreads
Growth Pace Slow Grower
Light Part Shade to Full Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Native; Showy Foliage
Uses , Ground Covers, Naturalizing
Style , Woodland Garden
Type ,Fern

Plants you might also like

Dennstaedtia punctilobula Dennstaedtia punctilobula
(North American hay-scented fern)
Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This fern's lacy foliage smells of freshly mown grass and carpets the woodland or a moist, partially sunny site. The green lushness turns golden in the fall. It is a good choice for rapid naturalizing. Use in a woodland garden or near water features.

Polystichum acrostichoides Polystichum acrostichoides
(Christmas fern)
Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

The Christmas fern is a particularly accommodating garden plant. It is adapted to a wide range of conditions, from very dry to moist, and is hardy to Zone 3. The plant’s 1- to 2-foot fronds are dependably evergreen—hence the common name—but they lie flat on the ground through the winter. Few hardy ferns have more beautiful deep, glossy green foliage.

Pteridium aquilinum Pteridium aquilinum
(Bracken)
Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

A native fern with triangular-shaped, stiff, upright fronds that can tolerate dry soil and full sun. Bracken can make very large colonies and are found in a variety of habitats ranging from dry and wet forests to meadows and bogs. They grow up to 4.5 feet tall.

Athyrium 'Ghost' Athyrium 'Ghost'
(Ghost fern)
Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Here's a fern with an upright habit and silvery fronds that give it a ghostly look, hence the name. Emerging new fronds have a shimmering whitish color that darkens slowly to a silvery green with burgundy accents. 'Ghost' spreads slowly by shallow rhizomes, eventuallly becoming an excellent ground cover

Polystichum munitum Polystichum munitum
(Western sword fern)
Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Western sword ferns abound in the forests of the Northwestern U.S. They are robust, reliable, and virtually maintenance-free. They put up with difficult soil and manage to keep up appearances even in hot, dry weather. Their deep green, leathery fronds are attractive year-round.