Northern maidenhair’s delicate, 8-30 in. fronds, with dark, shiny stems, spread their pinnae horizontally in a nearly perfect circle. This graceful, fan-like pattern is unique among native ferns. The fronds arise from a creeping rootstock in clusters. Burgundy red fiddleheads appear in early spring. The roots are wiry and black, colonizing in favorable sites.

It is easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade. It prefers moist, humusy, acidic soils in full shade. Spreads slowly by creeping, branching rhizomes to form large colonies over time. It will also tolerate mild drought. High summer heat may cause fronds to brown, especially in dry soil or too much sun. This plant is seldom damaged by deer. Rhizome short, widely creeping.

Provides shelter for toads and lizards. Deer Resistant!