Northern Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum pedatum
4-inch pot
 
An elegant woodland fern with delicate, fan-shaped leaflets arranged along gracefully arching, almost circular fronds. The fresh blue-green foliage is held on slender, wiry black stems, creating an airy texture that contrasts beautifully with hostas, astilbes, and other broad-leaved shade plants. Pink-tinged fiddleheads emerging in spring add another season of interest.
 
Native to North America, Northern Maidenhair Fern thrives in cool, shady woodland conditions with rich, consistently moist soil. It slowly spreads by creeping rhizomes to form graceful colonies without becoming aggressive. Despite its delicate appearance, it is a remarkably cold-hardy and durable fern once established.
 
Deciduous fern
Zones 3–8
Part shade to full shade
Grows 1–3 ft. tall x 1½–3 ft. wide
Moderate water needs; prefers moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil
Deer-resistant, excellent woodland fern
Foliage spring through fall