Only spread a fern-frond over a man’s head and worldly cares are cast out, and freedom and beauty and peace come in. ~John Muir
One of the most beautiful and unusual ferns is also one I have been trying to grow for a few years now. And I finally have had a bit of success. I am talking about Adiantum pedatum more commonly called Northern maidenhair fern part of the Maidenhair Fern Family or (Pteridaceae). Because of its finger-like fronds, it is also called the five-fingered fern. I think the fronds look like a web or fan in a circular shape.
This deciduous, clump-forming, fern typically grows about a foot in my garden even now as the autumn cold winds howl. But they can get up to two feet tall in the wild. The thin black stems don’t look strong enough to support the fronds. But this fern is not as delicate as it looks and can withstand many tough environments.
Look for pink to burgundy colored young fiddleheads to appear in early spring. And the roots are as wiry as the stems forming colonies if they are grown in favorable conditions. I can only hope to grow a colony of this amazing fern.
I am linking in with Gail@Clay and Limestone for her Wildflower Wednesday meme as I profile this wonderful native plant, and with Christina@Creating my own garden of the Hesperides for her Garden Bloggers Foliage Day on the 22nd.
And I am also joining forces with a local native plant nursery, Amanda’s Garden, to purchase native plants for my garden, similar to the one I am profiling in this post. The owner, Ellen Folts, specializes in woodland, prairie and wetland native perennials.
It is said this fern is quite easy to grow. Of course it needs just the right conditions. It adores from heavy shade to part shade, but shade is essential or the fronds will turn brown. And it likes soil that is well-drained but damp to moist, and not wet. The soil should be rich like that growing under trees with years of leafy loam. It does not like clay soil as I have found out the hard way. And it will grow in mostly acidic soil and tolerate neutral pH too.
In dry soil the fern will go dormant and it may not reappear if the soil is dry for too long as in a drought. It also prefers a sheltered area away from too much wind.
This fern is said to be resistant to browsing deer, and has no serious insect or disease problems, thankfully.
Northern maidenhair ferns reproduce by spores that mature in late summer and fall. You can put the spores into sterile potting mix, mist and cover with a clear plastic lid to propagate. But it is easier to divide the roots during the spring when the fiddleheads are just emerging (pictured here) or in late fall as the fern is becoming dormant.
Northern maidenhair ferns that form a colony are great cover for small mammals, birds, lizards and toads.
With its delicate, lacy fronds and airy appearance, the maidenhair fern Adiantum laevigatum brings elegance and beauty to indoor and outdoor spaces alike. Native to South America, these ferns have been prized for centuries for their graceful charm and ease of care. Adding Adiantum laevigatum to your garden provides numerous benefits that make it a winner for both beginning and veteran gardeners.
Natural, Effortless Style
The finely cut, fan-shaped fronds of Adiantum laevigatum have an inherently stylish look, adding texture and interest wherever they grow. Their arching stems and ethereal quality need little enhancement to make a statement. Group them as a lush groundcover or focal point, or tuck them into empty spots for an instant boost. The delicate foliage pairs well with bolder plants.
For containers, Adiantum laevigatum spill gracefully over edges, softening hard edges with their relaxed vibe. Their natural elegance shines through without much fuss or arranging required
Thriving in Shade
A prime benefit of the maidenhair fern is its ability to grow in shade Hot sun scorches the delicate foliage, but bright indirect light suits it perfectly Under trees, alongside buildings or fences, or anywhere dappled sun filters through, Adiantum laevigatum flourishes.
Their shade tolerance makes it possible to add beauty to darker corners of your landscape. Use them as living groundcovers in lieu of mulch under shrubs and trees. Graceful and airy, they bring lightness to shaded underplantings.
Cascading Over Walls and Slopes
Allow their arching fronds to spill over retaining walls, stone edges, or slopes for a natural, whimsical look. The stems can reach 18 inches long and provide magnificent draping effects. Over the edge of raised planters and containers, Adiantum laevigatum shines. The flowing stems tumble down, creating the appearance of a living fountain.
Easy, Low-Maintenance Care
Once established, maidenhair ferns need little care or attention to continue thriving. Water them when soil is partly dry and apply balanced fertilizer monthly during growing season. Divide congested clumps every 2-3 years. Remove old fronds as needed. Otherwise, enjoy their graceful presence in your garden!
They have no serious pest or disease issues. Resistant to deer and rabbits, they persist when foliage gets nibbled. Tolerant of pruning, they bounce back from damage. Best of all, they spread on their own via rhizomes, filling in space with more lovely fronds each year.
Adding Texture and Visual Interest
The lacy foliage of the Adiantum laevigatum contrasts beautifully with broader, bolder leaves like hostas. Their texture pairs wonderfully with the big, ruffled leaves of rodgersia and astilbe. Mixing fern shapes and sizes creates attractive combinations. Maidenhair foliage sets off round leaves like ligularia and adds whimsy to any planting.
Softening Hardscape Features
Use Adiantum laevigatum to flank steps, edge pathways, and surround fountains and ponds to blur hard lines. The relaxed, flowing stems complement stone and masonry while creating a soft veil. Plant them en masse between patio pavers or as living grout lines. Spilling from stone walls, they obscure edges with grace.
Cascading From Hanging Baskets
The arching stems and pendulous habit of maidenhair ferns make them ideal for hanging basket displays. Lushly overflowing baskets on porches and patios provide stunning vertical accents. Their swaying fronds offer soothing, hypnotic movement in any breeze. Display in shaded areas where the delicate foliage won’t burn.
With so many advantages, it’s easy to see why Adiantum laevigatum is treasured by gardeners worldwide. Bringing graceful elegance even to problem spots, these lovely ferns enhance their surroundings wherever they grow. Their delicate beauty combined with resilient vigor make them a rewarding addition to any garden.
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Where Are They Found
Northern maidenhair fern grows in zones 4-8 in most of Eastern North America.
It is found in its native habitat in moist (but not wet), cool woodlands particularly in northern exposures. I have mine growing on the north side of my house in the richly amended protected shade garden.
Northern maidenhair fern can also be found along springs and streams.
Northern maidenhair ferns are perfect for a native shade garden, shaded rock garden or woodland garden and along shaded paths.
You can combine it with non-natives like hostas and brunneras or with native flowers such as violets, trilliums, cardinal flower, hepatica, bloodroot, and native azaleas and rhododendrons. Also combine them with larger natives like yellow lady slipper orchid, wild geranium, and Virginia bluebells.
Be careful when you spot them in the wild as they have a very dangerous partner growing with them, poison ivy.
The shiny, dark stems of this fern are also used in basketry.
Northern maidenhair ferns were used by Native American Tribes to treat fevers, rheumatism, coughing, asthma, gynecological issues and to purify the blood. As always, consult an expert before using plants as a remedy.
It was also used as a rinse for shiny hair. Perhaps that is how it got its common name.
In Smoky Mountain folklore, they say if a maiden handles the stem and the leaves don’t flicker, her virtue is assured.
In the Language of Flowers Maidenhair ferns stand for Discretion and Secrecy.
The forest makes your heart gentle. You become one with it… No place for greed or anger there. ~ Pha Pachak