Himalayan Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum venustum
4-inch pot
 
Seen in the Himalayas curtaining banks at about 6000-8000 feet, these triangular fronds with jet black stems layer themselves like the feathers on a bird. They can also spread into a delicate 10 inch tall carpet, or, if you are adventurous, an outdoor wall-hanging!
 
To keep it looking fresh, cut back the fronds of the previous season in winter before the extremely delicate new fiddle heads emerge. In its native environment, it can often be seen in tandem with bergenia, flattening itself to cliff walls, blossoms extending outward and upward. A better contrast can hardly be seen.
 
Featured on Great Plant Picks:  https://www.greatplantpicks.org/plantlists/view/94
 
Fern
Zones 5-8
Part to Full Shade
Grows 6 in. tall by 3 ft. wide
Requires regular watering but dislikes soggy feet
Deer resistant