Although they are physiologically distinct from one another, the Northern Maidenhair, Adiantum pedatum and the Western Maidenhair, Adiantum aleuticum, are often confused with each other and it is not uncommopn to find them mislabeled as one another in the commercial trade. A. pedatum is shorter, reaching a mature height of 1 to 2 feet, and tends to have more regular, graceful and fan shaped fronds with a higher degree of symmetry. When dormant, it is also more cold tolerant than it’s West Coast relative, making it suited for a wider variety of growing zones. When situated in a favorable spot it will tolerate winter conditions as harsh and cold as USDA Zone 2 and as mild as USDA Zone 9, provided it is not drowned by winter moisture. As with other Maidenhair ferns, these seem to prefer to be situated in part shade on a slight slope where moisture is available during the growing season and runs past, but does not pool around the roots in winter.

Frond Condition: Deciduous

Mature Height: 1-2'

Origin: Eastern United States

Cultural Requirements: Part Shade to Full Shade, Evenly Moist to Slightly Moist

USDA Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9