Plants in genus adiantum
Adiantum venustum
Adiantum venustum, native to China and the Himalayas, is an evergreen fern with triangular soft green fronds and black stems. It forms a spreading mat and is hardy to -10°C, suitable for USDA zones 5-8. This deer-resistant groundcover thrives in moist, humus-rich soil and is ideal for woodland gardens.
Adiantum aleuticum
Adiantum aleuticum is a deciduous fern native to North America, with fan-shaped fronds atop thin black stalks. It prefers cool, moist soil and light shade, thriving in rock crevices near streams.
Adiantum capillus-veneris
Adiantum capillus-veneris, commonly known as the Southern Maidenhair Fern, is a delicate deciduous fern with light green, triangular leaves and wiry black stems. It forms a spreading mat up to 10 inches tall and 4 feet wide over a decade, making it more compact than other varieties. This fern thrives in moist, well-drained soils and requires filtered light and high humidity, making it suitable for indoor cultivation. It is winter hardy to 6 degrees Fahrenheit and can be propagated by dividing rhizomes. Native to a wide range of regions, including the southern United States and parts of Eurasia, it is endangered in North Carolina and threatened in Kentucky. Historically, it has been used in traditional medicine by Native Americans and in Iran.
Adiantum pedatum
Adiantum pedatum, or the Northern maidenhair fern, is a native of moist forests in eastern North America. It features slender, shining black stipes and a horizontal horseshoe-like wreath of foliage. This elegant fern thrives in humus-rich, moist, and well-drained soils.
Adiantum tricholepis
Adiantum tricholepis is a dainty fern native to central Texas, often found near rivers and streams. It features 18-inch long, arching fronds and prefers moist soil with a pH of at least 6.0. This fern is a smaller version of the more common Adiantum capillus-veneris.
Adiantum caudatum
Adiantum caudatum, known as the walking maidenhair fern, is a fern species found in shaded areas of Southeast Asia. It features narrow fronds up to 1 foot in length and pink-tinged new growth. This deciduous fern is evergreen in milder climates and prefers moist soils but can tolerate dry, sandy conditions.
Adiantum poiretii
Adiantum poiretii, commonly known as the Meadow-rue maidenhair, is a delicate deciduous fern with black arching stipes and small, dainty pinnae. This clumping fern grows up to 2 feet tall and is ideal for shaded garden areas. It is deer-resistant and thrives in light shade, making it a low-maintenance choice for woodland gardens. Its graceful appearance adds a touch of elegance to any landscape.
Adiantum capillus-veneris 'Michigan Hardy'
Adiantum capillus-veneris 'Michigan Hardy' is a fern that forms an 18-inch wide patch over five years. It thrives in rich, moist soil and is known for its difficulty in propagation from spores. This plant is native to the United States and is well-suited for rain gardens and shade perennials.
Adiantum capillus-veneris 'Stone Mountain'
Adiantum capillus-veneris 'Stone Mountain' is a robust fern that forms a 3-4 foot wide patch of foliage. It grows faster in moist soils but is tolerant of dry sites. This plant is native to the United States and is well-suited for rain gardens.
Adiantum capillus-veneris 'Mt Ida'
Adiantum capillus-veneris 'Mt Ida' is a compact fern found at 1680 feet elevation on Mt. Ida, Crete. It matures around 6 inches tall and is expected to form a 2-foot wide patch in 5 years. This fern is ideal for wet seep environments and adds a delicate touch to gardens with its fine foliage and compact growth habit.
Adiantum pedatum 'Miss Sharples'
Adiantum pedatum 'Miss Sharples' is an English selection of the native maidenhair fern, featuring yellow chartreuse, five-fingered foliage atop wiry black stems. This fern forms a nice clump with age and thrives in slightly moist sites, making it an elegant choice for shaded garden areas.
Adiantum lorentzii 'Salta Splendor'
Adiantum lorentzii 'Salta Splendor' is a tall, airy maidenhair fern originating from the high elevations of Salta Province, Argentina. This deciduous plant forms a mound about 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide, with glossy, arching black stems reaching up to 3 feet long. It thrives in part sun to light shade and is well-suited for both sun and shade perennial gardens.
Adiantum mairisii
Adiantum mairisii is a sterile hybrid fern known for its vigorous growth and good winter hardiness. It features lacy maidenhair foliage and is deer-resistant, making it a resilient choice for gardens. This fern thrives in part sun to light shade and adds a delicate, airy texture to shaded garden areas.
Adiantum raddianum 'Barberton'
Adiantum raddianum 'Barberton' is a winter-hardy fern collected from the mountains near Barberton, South Africa. It features tiny, finely-textured pinnae and forms a tight clump that is 1 foot tall and wide. This fern is suitable for woodland gardens and can be grown as a houseplant in colder climates.
Adiantum capillus-veneris 'Sierra Chiquita'
Adiantum capillus-veneris 'Sierra Chiquita' is a fern selection from the Sierra Chiquita mountains, known for its vigorous yet compact growth. This plant forms a 10-inch tall and 18-inch wide clump, making it suitable for moist woodland gardens. It thrives in part sun to shade and is deer-resistant.
Adiantum capillus-veneris 'Falling Waters'
Adiantum capillus-veneris 'Falling Waters' is a selection of maidenhair fern known for its delicate, slightly smaller fronds. It forms tardily-deciduous clumps and can survive single-digit temperatures, making it a resilient choice for gardens. This fern is native to Florida and thrives in shaded, moist environments.
Adiantum capillus-veneris 'Rock Springs'
Adiantum capillus-veneris 'Rock Springs' is a fern collected in the Edwards Plateau region of Texas, known for its ability to grow in very alkaline soil. It is heat tolerant and thrives in shaded areas, making it a suitable choice for woodland gardens.
Adiantum japonicum
Adiantum japonicum, a form of the northern maidenhair fern, is a deciduous garden fern that grows up to 1 foot tall. It is notable for its new growth, which emerges with a pinkish-red hue. This fern prefers average to slightly moist soils in woodland garden settings and is valued for its delicate, airy appearance.
Adiantum capillus-veneris 'Alabama Lace'
Adiantum capillus-veneris 'Alabama Lace' is a vigorous selection of the southern maidenhair fern, discovered in Alabama. It features lacy fronds atop black stems and spreads quickly, forming a dense 3-foot wide patch in just two years. This fern thrives in good soil with average to damp moisture conditions and is ideal for shade gardens. Its delicate appearance belies its robust growth habit, making it a popular choice for woodland and cottage gardens.
Adiantum hispidulum 'Mt Haleakala'
Adiantum hispidulum 'Mt Haleakala', also known as the Rosy Maidenhair Fern, is a winter-hardy fern that forms a 1-foot tall and wide clump. Its fronds emerge a rosy red, adding a splash of color to shaded garden areas. This fern is ideal for cottage gardens and is deer resistant.
Adiantum hispidulum
Adiantum hispidulum, also known as the rough maidenhair fern, is a semi-evergreen fern with green leaves accented by a rose-colored contrast. It thrives in shady, humid environments, making it ideal for hanging baskets or mixed containers. This fern prefers dappled shade and indirect light, making it a perfect choice for kitchens or bathrooms where it can enjoy the moisture and humidity. Its delicate appearance and adaptability to low light conditions make it a popular houseplant.
Adiantum capillus-veneris 'Fan Dance'
Adiantum capillus-veneris 'Fan Dance' is a fern with pinnae shaped like narrow Japanese hand fans, forming a tight 6-inch tall patch that expands to 2 feet wide in 5 years. It prefers moist soils and is suitable for bog gardens. This plant's unique leaf shape and adaptability make it a delightful addition to shaded garden areas.