Adiantum pedatum (Northern Maidenhair Fern)

One of the most sought-after ferns, Adiantum pedatum (Northern Maidenhair Fern) is a deciduous perennial fern with handsome, black shiny stems and graceful, bright green fronds spreading horizontally in a circular pattern.

One of the most sought-after ferns, Adiantum pedatum (Northern Maidenhair Fern) is a deciduous perennial fern with handsome, black shiny stems and graceful, bright green fronds spreading horizontally in a circular pattern. Arising from a creeping rootstock, the fronds are divided into two blades each with 2 – 9 leaflets (pinnae) arranged in a horse-shoe or semi-circle. In early spring, the emerging fiddleheads are a burgundy to pink. Northern Maidenhair Fern spreads slowly by creeping rhizomes to form large colonies. It is a great addition to shade gardens with rich moist soils.

  • Grows up to 12-30 in. tall (30-75 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm). 
  • A part to full shade lover, it is best grown in moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Keep the plant moist throughout the growing season as it does not tolerate drying out.
  • Great choice for shady beds, borders, cottage gardens, rain gardenswoodlands and containers.
  • Virtually pest and disease free.
  • Propagate by spores.
  • Native to North America, Asia

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, A3
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'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 24″ (60cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Edging, Patio and Containers, Rain Gardens
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden