American maidenhair fern
Adiantum pedatum
USDA zones2 to 8
SunHandles partial sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size1 to 2.5 feet tall12 to 18 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Bloom color
- Non-flowering
- Foliage color
- Dark green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
American maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum) is a fern for shade gardens, woodland plantings, and rock gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 2, or down to -50°F (-46°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and average to moist soil of most types. The palmate fronds look like a hand with fingers and sit on wiry, dark stems. It is not a favorite of deer, though hungry deer will eat almost anything. Keep the soil evenly moist year-round.
Pairs well with Crested wood fern, Sweet white violet, Sherwood Purple phlox, and Spring Beauty Siberian squill.
Native range
North America and Asia.