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Adiantum pedatum

Northern Maidenhair Fern

Dainty bright green fronds are held aloft on shiny black stems creating a light, airy texture in the woodland garden. In rich soil and bright shade it will spread by shallow rhizomes to form a dense groundcover. Found in the humus-rich woodlands and moist woods of Eastern North America. Easy to grow as long as the soil is loose and rich.

A. pedatum can be found in humus-rich woodlands and moist woods in acidic to neutral, moist, well-drained soils. Does not tolerate clay. Happier in cooler climates and can take more sun in northern zones.
Spreads by shallow rhizomes. Propagate by dividing rhizomes in spring. Best used as a groundcover in the woodland or rock garden or as an edge or border in the shaded garden.

From the Greek adiantos meaning unwetted, refering to impermeable leavesof some species shedding water. University of Vermont