Summary
Unlike most ferns, northern maidenhair (Adiantum pedatum) displays its foliage in a distinctive fan-shaped pattern that is held in a horizontal plane to the ground. In spring the new fiddleheads, called croziers, emerge reddish purple to pink in color and will mature into shiny black, rigid and wiry stems that fork to form two crescent shaped leaves. The shiny black stems then visually recede making the dainty and frilly, medium green foliage appear to float. Green foliage fades to yellow and tan in late autumn.
Growing 1-2.5’ tall with a spread of 1-1.5′, northern maidenhair is clump forming and expands by rhizomes to slowly create large colonies. Larger masses can be divided in the spring to create new plantings in other areas of the garden. This deciduous fern prefers a average to moist, well-drained humus rich soil in partial to full shade. This fern is also deer and rabbit resistant.
Best used as an accent plant for foliar interplays with companions such as rue-anemone (Thalictrum thalictroides), foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia), blue wood aster (Symphyotrichum cordifolium), and large-flowered bellwort (Uvularia grandifolia). Zones 3-8.
More Details
- Plant Type
perennial-fern - Sun/Shade Conditions
partial-to-full-shade - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
average-to-moist - Flowering Period
nonflowering - Soil PH
adaptable - Flower Color
nonflowering - Summer Foliage Color
green - Fall Foliage Color
green, light-tan, yellow - Other Common Names
Northern maidenhair fern, Maidenhair fern - Fruit/Seed Color
no-fruit-or-seed
Additional Information
Missouri Botanical Garden, Illinois Wildflower, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center