Blue Mistflower 1-Gallon Size Just $19.99!​

Add vibrant, pollinator-friendly blooms with Eupatorium coelestinum. Limited stock—save $10, shop now while supplies last!

Adiantum pedatum – Northern Maidenhair fern

Additional information

Size

,

Tolerate

Common Name

Type

Native?

US Native Plants

Family

Zone

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Height Range (ft.)

1.00 to 2.00

Spread (ft.)

1.00 to 1.50

Bloom Time

Bloom Description

Non-Flowering

Sun

,

Water

Maintenance

Suggested Use

Attracts

You may like ...

Adiantum pedatum – Northern Maidenhair fern

SKU N/A Categories ,

Adiantum pedatum – Northern Maidenhair Fern is a shade-loving native fern with delicate, fan-shaped fronds and striking black stems. Perfect for woodland gardens, shaded borders, or naturalized areas, it adds elegance and thrives with minimal care.

$12.99$29.99

Please note: Sizes 1.5 Gallon and up can’t be shipped outside the counties of Nassau, Suffolk, Brooklyn, and Queens.

Learn more about how the process works and how our plants are delivered.

You may like ...

Additional information

Size

,

Tolerate

Common Name

Type

Native?

US Native Plants

Family

Zone

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Height Range (ft.)

1.00 to 2.00

Spread (ft.)

1.00 to 1.50

Bloom Time

Bloom Description

Non-Flowering

Sun

,

Water

Maintenance

Suggested Use

Attracts

Product Description

Bring elegance and delicate beauty to your shaded garden with Adiantum pedatum, commonly known as Northern Maidenhair Fern. This graceful native fern features fine, lacy fronds that arch in circular patterns, creating a unique and airy texture in woodland gardens, shaded borders, or moist naturalized landscapes. Its black stems contrast beautifully with the bright green fronds, adding visual interest and sophistication. Thriving in partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soils, Northern Maidenhair Fern is a low-maintenance, deer-resistant choice that adds timeless charm to any shaded space.

Why Choose Northern Maidenhair Fern?

  • Elegant Foliage: Delicate, fan-shaped fronds bring soft texture and movement to shaded areas.
  • Shade-Loving: Thrives in partial to full shade, ideal for woodland gardens or under trees.
  • Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care and adapts well to rich, moist, well-drained soils.
  • Deer-Resistant: Naturally resistant to deer browsing, making it perfect for woodland landscapes.

Cultivation Tips

  • Sunlight Needs: Prefers partial to full shade; avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorching.
  • Soil Preferences: Thrives in moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter; tolerates slightly acidic conditions.
  • Watering Requirements: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogged conditions.
  • Spacing: Plant 12-18 inches apart to allow for spreading growth and naturalized coverage.

Design Ideas for Your Garden

Northern Maidenhair Fern is perfect for adding texture and elegance to woodland gardens, shaded borders, or areas near water features. Use it to complement shade-loving perennials like Foamflowers, Wild Ginger, or Coral Bells for a lush, layered look. Its fine-textured fronds also pair beautifully with larger-leafed plants such as Hostas or Astilbes, creating striking contrasts. Ideal for naturalizing in shaded rock gardens or as a soft groundcover under trees, this fern adds a tranquil, naturalistic feel to any garden.

Ecological Benefits

Adiantum pedatum provides habitat for small insects and helps stabilize soil in shaded or sloped areas, reducing erosion. Its low-maintenance nature and ability to thrive in shady, moist conditions make it a sustainable and eco-friendly choice for enhancing biodiversity in your garden.

Enhance your shaded spaces with the timeless beauty and ecological benefits of Adiantum pedatum – Northern Maidenhair Fern. This stunning fern brings texture, elegance, and easy-care greenery to your landscape.

Thanks for your review!

Your feedback helps us improve our service.

Please log in to submit a review.

Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review

Related Products

Adiantum pedatum – Northern Maidenhair fern

$12.99$29.99
Frequently Asked Questions

Is Northern Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum) native to the United States?

Yes. Adiantum pedatum is native to most of the eastern and central United States, typically found in moist, shaded woodlands, ravines, and forest edges. It is a true native fern that contributes to biodiversity and habitat structure in shady, woodland gardens.

What makes Northern Maidenhair Fern unique?

This fern is prized for its elegant, fan-shaped fronds with a distinctive black, wiry stem (rachis). The finely textured fronds form graceful, airy clumps about 1 to 2 feet tall and wide, adding a delicate yet architectural quality to shady borders, woodland plantings, and naturalized areas.

What are the ideal growing conditions for Adiantum pedatum?

Northern Maidenhair Fern thrives in partial to full shade and prefers moist, rich, well-drained, acidic to neutral soils with high organic matter. It is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 8 and benefits from consistent moisture, especially during hot, dry periods. Mulching helps maintain cool, damp soil conditions.

Is Northern Maidenhair Fern good for pollinators or wildlife?

While ferns do not produce flowers or nectar, Adiantum pedatum offers habitat value by providing cover and shelter for small wildlife and insects. It supports overall garden biodiversity and helps stabilize soil in shaded, erosion-prone areas.

Is Adiantum pedatum deer-resistant and low-maintenance?

Yes. Northern Maidenhair Fern is generally deer- and rabbit-resistant, and it is low-maintenance once established. It does not require fertilization and rarely suffers from pests or disease. Simply cut back old fronds in early spring before new growth emerges to keep it looking fresh.

Looking for the perfect gift for the garden lover in your life?

Our gift cards make it easy to share the beauty of plants, flowers, and all things green. Whether for a special occasion or just because, give the gift of choice and let them select their favorites to create a garden they’ll cherish.