This fern has a short rhizome with upright arching fronds that form a compact rounded layered habit. The divided fronds have fan-shaped bright green leaflets that are fringed along the margin giving the plant a lacy appearance. 

Hardiness zones 10 to 12 

Adiantum tenerum is naturally found from southern North America to the West Indies, Mexico and extending to Peru growing in well drained, fertile moist humus rich soils. It prefers a shaded to a semi-shaded protected position and is frost and drought tender. 

The Brittle Maidenhair Fern is grown for its lacy appearance and is planted in shaded borders or used as a container plant. It is also grown as an understorey in tropica settings or planted around water features. It is suitable for protected coastal regions establishing in 2 to 3 years. There are several cultivars that are commonly cultivated and in cold climates it is grown under glass in containers. ID 2554

Adiantum (ă-de-ĂN-tum ) tenerum  (ten-er- ūm)

Pteridaceae (TE-ri-de-AY-see-ee)
(Adiantaceae)