Adiantum aleuticum, Western Maidenhair or Five Finger Fern

Five finger fern provides a delicate, airy, fresh effect in the shade garden. It is easy to grow with regular water and humusy soil and does well in containers, too. Fronds form finger-like patterns on handsome black stems up to 1-1/2 feet tall. Somewhat winter deciduous. It prefers deep shade and fertile, moist soil in rock crevices near streams. It tolerates serpentinite rock well and is confined to this mineral-rich rock in some areas. Combine with wild ginger, redwood sorrel, leopard lilies and sword fern for a handsome woodland garden. Somewhat deer resistant.