This fern’s young shoots arise in spring as coiled pink fiddleheads. Bluish green, fine-textured fronds are borne horizontally, divided into projections that resemble fingers, and arranged in a pattern that can be described as circular or horseshoe-shaped. Stems are reddish brown to purplish black. Plants form colonies via spreading rhizomes. Can provide cover for animals such as amphibians and reptiles.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum pedatum
Plant Type: Ferns
Native Environment: Forest
Season of Interest: Early (Feb - Apr), Mid (May - June), Late (July - frost)
Main Color: Green
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data

Photo: Carol Davit

Sun Exposure
Medium Sun/Average Shade, Shade

Soil
Moisture
Moderate, High

Nature Attracting

Wildlife Benefit
Cover

Animal
Resistance
Deer Resistant
Size
Height:
12 to
18
inches
Spread:
12 to
18
inches
Size
Height: 12 to
18
inches
Spread: 12 to
18
inches
Size
Height: 12 to
18
inches
Spread: 12 to
18
inches
Typical Landscape Use
Woodland and shade gardens including shaded borders and rock gardens, and along shaded paths.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Likes full shade and acidic soil that is moist but well-drained and rich with humus, but will grow on moderate soil and in part shade.
Special Features
Special Usage
Containers
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
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What’s the Next Step?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.