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Adiantum pedatum (Northern Maidenhair Fern)

Northern Maidenhair Fern, Maidenhair Fern, Five-Fingered Maidenhair Fern, American Maidenhair Fern

Adiantum pedatum, Northern Maidenhair Fern, Maidenhair Fern, Five-Fingered Maidenhair Fern, American Maidenhair Fern, Shade plants, shade perennial, plants for shade, plants for wet soil
Adiantum pedatum, Northern Maidenhair Fern, Maidenhair Fern, Five-Fingered Maidenhair Fern, American Maidenhair Fern, Shade plants, shade perennial, plants for shade, plants for wet soil

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 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 Pteridaceae
Genus Adiantum
Common names Maidenhair Fern
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)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Southwest, Southeast, Northeast, Midwest, Missouri, Nebraska, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia, Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, Kentucky, Oklahoma
Tolerance Full Shade
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Patio And Containers, Rain Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden, Prairie and Meadow, Gravel and Rock Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Adiantum jordanii (California Maidenhair)
Adiantum capillus-veneris (Southern Maidenhair Fern)
Adiantum aleuticum (Maidenhair Fern)
Adiantum venustum (Himalayan Maidenhair)
Adiantum raddianum (Delta Maidenhair)

Recommended Companion Plants

Dicentra spectabilis (Bleeding Heart)
Polygonatum biflorum (Great Solomon’s Seal)
Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ (Siberian Bugloss)
Tiarella cordifolia (Foam Flower)
Hosta (Plantain Lily)
Astilbe

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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.
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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 Pteridaceae
Genus Adiantum
Common names Maidenhair Fern
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)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Southwest, Southeast, Northeast, Midwest, Missouri, Nebraska, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia, Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, Kentucky, Oklahoma
Tolerance Full Shade
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Edging, Patio And Containers, Rain Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden, Prairie and Meadow, Gravel and Rock Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
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Compare Now

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