Ground shipping is currently paused. Local deliveries throughout Long Island will continue as usual. Pre-orders for fall are now open. Non-local orders will begin shipping again in early September. Click here to learn more.

Adiantum pedatum – Northern Maidenhair fern

Additional information

Size

,

Common Name

Type

Family

Native?

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

Tolerate

Suggested Use

Attracts

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Adiantum pedatum – Northern Maidenhair fern

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Northern maidenhair fern is a native fern with delicate, airy foliage that thrives in shaded gardens. A beautiful choice for woodland settings and shade borders.

Price range: $12.99 through $29.99

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

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

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Ground shipping is paused due to summer heat. Only local delivery (Long Island & Queens) is available. Orders placed during the pause will begin processing September 1, and ground shipping will resume September 15.

Click here to learn more.

Additional information

Size

,

Common Name

Type

Family

Native?

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

Tolerate

Suggested Use

Attracts

Product Description

This graceful native fern is valued for its delicate texture, elegant form, and dependable performance in shaded gardens. Northern maidenhair fern brings a soft, refined look to woodland settings and shade plantings, adding movement and visual interest without overwhelming nearby plants.

Light green, fan-shaped leaflets are held on slender, dark stems that create a distinctive, airy appearance. The gently arching fronds form tidy clumps and provide season-long beauty, making this fern a standout foliage plant rather than a flowering focal point.

Well-suited for home gardens, Adiantum pedatum thrives in part to full shade and prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Its reliable growth and refined appearance make it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to enhance shaded areas with a native plant that feels both natural and ornamental.

Why choose Adiantum pedatum – Northern Maidenhair Fern

Native elegance: Fine-textured foliage with a distinctive form
Shade-loving: Well-suited for woodland and shaded gardens
Low-maintenance: Performs reliably with consistent moisture

Cultivating tips

Sun exposure: Part shade to full shade
Soil needs: Moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter
Maintenance: Low; remove old fronds as needed

Designs for your garden

Woodland gardens: Blends naturally into shaded landscapes
Shade borders: Adds softness and texture under trees
Naturalized areas: Creates a light, airy ground-layer effect
Companion plantings: Pairs well with hostas and other shade perennials

Ecological benefits

Native habitat value: Supports woodland ecosystems
Low disturbance: Thrives without aggressive spreading
Reliable growth: Performs consistently in suitable conditions

Plant appearance may vary by season and growing conditions. All plants ship healthy with established root systems.

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Adiantum pedatum – Northern Maidenhair fern

Price range: $12.99 through $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.

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Only Local Delivery Available (Long Island & Queens)

Ground Shipping Paused

To protect our plants from extreme summer heat, we’ve paused nationwide ground shipping to avoid any damage during transit.

Local Delivery Only

We’re still delivering locally to Long Island and Queens, so nearby customers will continue to receive orders as usual.

Fall Pre-Orders Are Open Nationwide!

We will resume normal shipping for non-local orders placed during the pause in early September.

Thank you for your support and understanding—we’re looking forward to growing with you this fall!