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Adiantum capillus-veneris

Also Known As

Adiantum veneris
Black Maidenhair Fern
Southern Maidenhair Fern

Plant type

fern

size

H: 12"-24"
W: 12"-24"

planting zones

8a-12

More Options

Adiantum capillus-veneris plant details

Adiantum capillus-veneris is a slow-growing deciduous fern with green foliage. Grows well with bright shade - shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in alkaline, average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Adiantum capillus-veneris

Plant type: fern
Plant family: adiantaceae, pteridaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 12 IN - 24 IN - wide, 12 IN - 24 IN - tall
Uses: container plant, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Adiantum capillus-veneris

USDA Zones: 8a - 12
Sun exposure: bright shade - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: alkaline, average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The Southern maidenhair fern, Adiantum capillus-veneris, is a beautiful fern for the garden. The small fan-shaped fronds have wiry, black stems that are distinctively arching to pendent. Soft delicate finely textured foliage is attractive in woodland areas. This maidenhair fern tolerates heavy shade. Some sites list this as hardy to zone 5, others as zone 7 or zone 8. True hardiness will be revealed once more gardeners try it. For now, we list it as zone 7 as a compromise.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

"One of the most delicate and charming of all the ferns native to cool temperate regions of the world" (R. Grounds) with soft fan-shaped "leaves" and a "stem" resembling fine black enameled wire. Sh/M

By: Forestfarm

Adiantum capillus-veneris features small, fan-shaped green foliage growing from arching black stems. Creates a dense, delicate clump of deciduous foliage. Deer resistant. Ferns thrive in neutral to acidic, loose, richly organic soil. Excellent for mass planting, rock gardens, containers, in woodlands and naturalized landscapes.

By: Little Prince of Oregon

Tough and durable fern growing to 12? tall with dainty, triangular, light green fronds on black stems. Requires warm season moisture and is useful cascading over a moist bank or edging a pond. Allow for dormancy where winters are cold. Hardy to 20F. North America.

By: Native Sons

Grows about 12 inches tall here. Less lacy than our northern version. Light shade and sufficient moisture, though doesn't seem to like too much dampness. A very small number available.

By: Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery

Lacy bright green fronds grace nearly black stipes. Each pinnule is more incised than typical giving this deciduous, spreading fern a distinct lacy effect. Spreading habit. Native to the osuthern US, from coast to coast.

By: Briggs Plant Propagators

Garden photo gallery of Adiantum capillus-veneris

Photo of Adiantum capillus-veneris foliage by Julio Reis

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By: Julio Reis

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Photo of Adiantum capillus-veneris foliage by Briggs Plant Propagators

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By: Briggs Plant Propagators

By: Karl Gercens III

By: Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery

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Photo of Adiantum capillus-veneris foliage by Little Prince of Oregon

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By: Little Prince of Oregon

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Gardening facts about Adiantum capillus-veneris plant

How to Grow Adiantum capillus-veneris

Sun Exposure
- bright shade - shade
Water Needs
- even moisture - regular
Soil Needs
- alkaline
- average
- well-drained
- rich
Special Situation
- heat tolerant
- humidity tolerant
- verticillium wilt resistant