The Maidenhair ferns are delicate in appearance. The Southern Maidenhair Fern is very similar to the Maidenhair Fern although the delicate mid-green leaves ‘hang’ from the shiny, dark stems in a zig-zag pattern on this species, forming a fine textured mound above the wiry, dark stems. A deciduous fern.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Southern Maidenhair Fern
Adiantum capillus-veneris
Plant Type: Ferns
Native Environment: Forest
Season of Interest:
Main Color: Green, Yellow
Fall Color: Yellow
USDA PLANTS Range Map
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Sun Exposure

Soil
Moisture
Moderate, High

Nature Attracting

Wildlife Benefit

Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
10 to
18
inches
Spread:
15 to
24
inches
Size
Height: 10 to
18
inches
Spread: 15 to
24
inches
Size
Height: 10 to
18
inches
Spread: 15 to
24
inches
Typical Landscape Use
Useful in high pH/alkaline soils in the shade. Would enhance shade water garden rockery.
Establishment and Care Instructions
This Maidenhair fern prefers permanent wet crevices in limestone overhangs where other plants may have difficulty growing. Very difficult to grow in gardens.
Special Features
Special Usage
Ground Cover
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
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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.