Species › Plants › Northern Maidenhair Fern

Northern Maidenhair Fern

Adiantum pedatum

CommonPlant
Illustration of Northern Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)

The Northern Maidenhair Fern is one of North America's most elegant ferns, with delicate fan-shaped fronds radiating from a central black stalk. It grows in rich, moist, shaded forest soils, often on limestone-influenced sites. The fine texture and graceful form make it a favorite of botanists and gardeners alike.

Habitat
Rich moist shaded hardwood forests, often on limestone soils
Diet
Provides ground cover and humidity; spores dispersed by wind
How common
Common

Best time to see a Northern Maidenhair Fern

The best time to see a Northern Maidenhair Fern is April–July, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 38,508 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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