Adiantum pedatum (Northern Maidenhair Fern)
Northern Maidenhair Fern, Maidenhair Fern, Five-Fingered Maidenhair Fern, American 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. 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 gardens, woodlands and containers.
- Virtually pest and disease free.
- Propagate by spores.
- Native to North America, Asia
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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 |
Alternative Plants to Consider
Recommended Companion Plants
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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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 |
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