Maidenhair Spleenwort Fern
Asplenium trichomanes
4-inch pot
 
Despite its offputting name, Maidenhair Spleenwort is a small, evergreen herbaceous perennial that naturally occurs in shady rock crevices.  The optimum setting is moist humus among limestone rocks in a humid climate.
 
It is a short, dainty, fragile-looking, native fern with creeping  rhizomes. It grows about 7 inches high and wide. It requires moisture along with good drainage.  Maintenance is not an issue, as little special care is required. Consider planting in a location that protects the fern from winter and early spring winds. 
 
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.
 
Fern
Zones 3-9
Part to Full Shade
Grows 4-7 in. tall & wide
Deer resistant