Skip to content
Log inStart trial

Maidenhair Fern

Adiantum Capillus-Veneris

Design with this plant

Overview

Adiantum capillus-veneris, commonly known as the Maidenhair Fern, is a delicate, ornamental plant with fan-shaped, light green fronds that typically reach up to 18 inches in height. Its wiry, black stalks suggest a fine hair-like appearance, inspiring its name. Thriving in USDA zones 3-11, it prefers indirect light and moist, well-drained soil. Ideal for shaded gardens or as a lush indoor plant, it brings a soft, feathery texture to the landscape.

Sun Deep Shade, Half, ShadeWater Extra in Summer, MediumZones 5–9Type Fern, Ground coverClimate Subtropical
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum Capillus-Veneris) — Inform clients of its modest growth rate and non-invasive nature; is a delicate yet enchanting species that

Culture

Sun
Deep Shade, Half, Shade
Water
Extra in Summer, Medium
USDA zones
5–9

Shape & size

Mature height
1–2.5 Ft.
Mature width
1–2 Ft.

Classification

Type
Fern, Ground cover
Family
Polypodiaceae
Climate
Subtropical

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (90)

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum Capillus-Veneris) — commonly known as the Maidenhair Fern
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum Capillus-Veneris) — ornamental plant with fan-shaped; and its fronds can spread about 18 to 24 inches, image 50
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum Capillus-Veneris) — consider it as an underplanting for larger shrubs or trees; light green fronds that typically reach up to 18
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum Capillus-Veneris) — Its ethereal texture provides a stunning contrast against coarser foliage; this fern can reach a, image 67
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum Capillus-Veneris) — making it a well-behaved and charming addition to their garden ecosystem; it thrives in consistently moist
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum Capillus-Veneris) — direct sunlight and strong winds that can easily damage their delicate fronds; making it an ideal, image 65
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum Capillus-Veneris) — is a delicate yet enchanting species that brings an air of elegance and sophistication to any garden space
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum Capillus-Veneris) — making it an ideal choice for shaded rock gardens
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum Capillus-Veneris) — and its fronds can spread about 18 to 24 inches wide.<br><br>Perfect for zones 8 through 10; ornamental plant
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum Capillus-Veneris) — Maidenhair Ferns require protection from harsh
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum Capillus-Veneris) — direct sunlight and strong winds that can easily damage their delicate fronds; making it an ideal choice for
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum Capillus-Veneris) — Maidenhair Ferns require protection from harsh; mimicking its natural habitat, image 64
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum Capillus-Veneris) — Inform clients of its modest growth rate and non-invasive nature; is a delicate yet enchanting, image 70
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum Capillus-Veneris) — Inform clients of its modest growth rate and non-invasive nature
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum Capillus-Veneris) — Its ethereal texture provides a stunning contrast against coarser foliage; this fern can reach a mature height of
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum Capillus-Veneris) — Recognizable by its slender
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum Capillus-Veneris) — Thriving in USDA zones 3-11, it prefers indirect light and moist, well-drained soil; recognizable by, image 53
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum Capillus-Veneris) — ornamental plant with fan-shaped; and its fronds can spread about 18 to 24 inches wide.<br><br>Perfect for zones
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum Capillus-Veneris) — mimicking its natural habitat; maidenhair Ferns require protection from harsh
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum Capillus-Veneris) — commonly known as the Maidenhair Fern; its wiry, black stalks suggest a fine hair-like appearance, image 49
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum Capillus-Veneris) — commonly known as the Maidenhair Fern; its wiry, black stalks suggest a fine hair-like appearance, inspiring its
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum Capillus-Veneris) — this perennial favors the dappled light of a woodland setting; black stems and fan-shaped segments of, image 60
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum Capillus-Veneris) — or as a graceful accent in a mixed fern garden; fern / ground cover for deep shade or half or shade, image 69
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum Capillus-Veneris) — Its wiry, black stalks suggest a fine hair-like appearance, inspiring its name; commonly known as the Maidenhair
Photographs by 17 contributors

Related plants

Alaska Fern (Polystichum Setiferum) — This species is renowned for its lush; the Alaska Fern is low maintenance

Fern

Alaska Fern

Polystichum Setiferum

Deep ShadeUSDA 6–8
Alpine Water Fern (Blechnum Penna-Marina) — fern / ground cover for deep shade or half or shade; it is generally pest and disease-resistant

Fern

Alpine Water Fern

Blechnum Penna-Marina

Deep ShadeUSDA 7–10
Autumn Fern, Japanese Shield Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) — It is also commonly called the Japanese Shield Fern due to its robust nature and, image 32

Fern

Autumn Fern, Japanese Shield Fern

Dryopteris erythrosora

ShadeUSDA 4–10
Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium Nidus) — resembling a bird's nest - hence the name; which is a key identifying feature, image 82

Fern

Bird's Nest Fern

Asplenium Nidus

HalfUSDA 10–11
Blue Star Fern (Phlebodium Aureum) — evergreen fern boasting glaucous; tropical fern that brings a touch of serene beauty to garden spaces with its unique

Fern

Blue Star Fern

Phlebodium Aureum

HalfUSDA 5–9
Brilliance Autumn Fern (Dryopteris Erythrosora 'Brilliance') — The Brilliance Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance') is a vibrant, shade-loving

Fern

Brilliance Autumn Fern

Dryopteris Erythrosora 'Brilliance'

HalfUSDA 5–9