Quick answer: Northern maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum) is native to 37 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically live plant (rhizome), verified 04 Nov 2026.
Photo: Doug McGrady from Warwick, RI, USA, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Keep evenly moist, will not survive drying out |
| Soil | Rich, moist, well-drained, mostly acidic, tolerates some lime |
| Bloom | Non-flowering (spore-bearing fern) |
| Height | Fronds 8-30 in |
| Wildlife value | Shelter for toads and lizards |
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (04 Nov 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Live plant (rhizome) via Amazon · listing verified 04 Nov 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Northern maidenhair fern
Where is Northern maidenhair fern native?
Northern maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum) is native to 37 states across the Northeast, Midwest, South and West. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Northern maidenhair fern bloom?
Northern maidenhair fern blooms Non-flowering (spore-bearing fern). Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Northern maidenhair fern need?
Light: Part Shade, Shade. Water: Keep evenly moist, will not survive drying out. Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained, mostly acidic, tolerates some lime. Mature height: Fronds 8-30 in.
Is Northern maidenhair fern good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Shelter for toads and lizards.
Is Northern maidenhair fern deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Northern maidenhair fern is deer-resistant and tolerates shade.
Where can I buy real Northern maidenhair fern seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as live plant (rhizome) that names the true species, last checked 04 Nov 2026. Look for the scientific name Adiantum pedatum on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Northern maidenhair fern.
- Sweet Joe-Pye Eutrochium purpureum
- Eastern red columbine Aquilegia canadensis
- Great blue lobelia Lobelia siphilitica
- Dutchman's breeches Dicentra cucullaria
- Lanceleaf coreopsis Coreopsis lanceolata
- Mayapple Podophyllum peltatum
Also listed under
Get the full buying guide
Every pick worth knowing across pollinators, shade, drought and more, in one PDF, with the tradeoffs spelled out. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.