Adiantum

More Information About Adiantum

We have long been fascinated by the simple beauty of Adiantum (the maidenhair fern plant). Most maidenhair ferns commonly offered for sale are tropical species used as houseplants. Our focus, however, is on offering garden-worthy, winter-hardy maidenhair fern plants for sale including some that are North Carolina natives.

Adiantum species that are native to the U.S. include Adiantum pedatum, aka: Adiantum aleuticum (northern maidenhair fern), Adiantum capillus-veneris (southern maidenhair fern), and Adiantum hispidulum (rosy maidenhair fern). We are well on our way to collect Adiantum c-v taxa from every continent.

Adiantum Companion Plants

We love the delicate appearance of maidenhair fern fronds. They blend well into the shade garden. The fronds are often highlighted with a wiry black midrib which really helps them stand out. Try combining Maidenhair fern with hosta, pulmonaria, and tricyrtis. We think you'll really like the combination. Or you could plant your maidenhair fern under your maidenhair tree (Ginkgo)!

Medicinal Usage

The maidenhair fern is traditionally prized for its medicinal properties, although we advocate it only as a garden fern. Worldwide, maidenhair ferns, are used to treat coughs, congestion, bronchitis, menstrual cramps, and oddly enough (given that it is called Maidenhair fern), hair loss.

Growing Conditions

Adiantum ferns are typically found on neutral to alkaline moist soils. Some are also salt tolerant plants. Despite their dainty appearance, maidenhair ferns are tough, easy-to-grow shade perennials that are deer-resistant too. Although typically found in deep shade, the maidenhair fern, seems to enjoy an hour or two of sun, especially in the early morning hours. If you're looking to buy a maidenhair fern, we hope you'll check our list of adiantum for sale.

Additional Adiantum Resources

If you would like to learn more about these amazing ferns, check out our article about the genus Adiantum by former Juniper Level Botanic Garden Director of Horticulture and Gardens Dr. Patrick McMillan.

Also, check out our blog posts about maidenhair fern over at the JLBG blog.