Adiantum aleuticum (Maidenhair Fern)

Incredibly attractive, Adiantum aleuticum (Maidenhair Fern) is a deciduous or semi-evergreen, perennial fern with graceful, bright green fronds which open like the fingers of a hand atop upright, shiny, purple-black wiry stems. Each finger is further divided into a series of triangular segments (pinnules).

Incredibly attractive, Adiantum aleuticum (Maidenhair Fern) is a deciduous or semi-evergreen, perennial fern with graceful, bright green fronds which open like the fingers of a hand atop upright, shiny, purple-black wiry stems. Each finger is further divided into a series of triangular segments (pinnules). Gradually becoming a lush clump of airy, horizontal fronds, moving silently with the least breeze, this plant is a great addition to the shade garden and is a natural choice for streamsides.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities
  • Grows up to 18-30 in. tall and wide (45-75 cm).
  • A part to full shade lover, it is best grown in moist, well-drained soils. Avoid hot afternoon sun to prevent leaf burn in summer. Avoid water-logged sites.
  • A great choice for shady beds and borders, cottage gardens, woodland gardens, or as an edger along paths.
  • Virtually disease free. Deer resistant.
  • Remove damaged fronds in spring. Propagate by spores
  • Native to North America

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 8

Heat Zones 1
– 8

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Plant Type Ferns
Plant Family Adiantum – Maidenhair Ferns
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 1'
– 3'
(30cm
– 90cm)
Spread 1'
– 3'
(30cm
– 90cm)
Spacing 30″ (75cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Alaska, California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Southeast, West Virginia, Southwest, Arizona
Tolerance Deer
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Edging
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden