Maindenhair Fern
Adiantum pedatum is a hardy maidenhair fern native throughout most of North America. Fronds are delicate in appearance but are wiry, growing to 2 feet high. The plant spreads by creeping root stalks, making a beautiful, fine-textured ground cover. Moist, cool soil with a leaf mold mulch is necessary to keep the delicate fibrous roots from drying out. Medium shade is best, although considerable sun is tolerated. This fern will naturalize well with wild flowers in a native garden. It also thrives in the shade of taller-growing rhododendrons and similar shrubs, or tucked into the pockets of a stone wall.
