This fern has a short creeping rhizome with arching fronds and forms a clump. The fronds are divided  and have bright green wedge-shaped pinnae and have glossy black or brown stems. The fertile fronds produce spores during late summer.  

Hardiness zones 4 to 9 

Adiantum pedatum is naturally found from the cooler parts of eastern North America and temperate east Asia growing in the understory of woodlands commonly along water courses and other damp places.

It prefers a semi-shaded, wind protected humid position and grows in organic rich moist soils that are well drained and is frost tolerant but drought tender.

The American Maidenhair is grown for its foliage and clumping habit. It is planted in shaded rockeries or used in the understory along water courses and can be grown in containers.  It is suitable for inland or low mountain regions, establishing in 2 to 4 years and is moderately long lived. This frost hardy fern is grown in temperate gardens along borders and in shaded courtyards. In warm regions the plant grows poorly and dislikes root disturbance. ID 3194

Adiantum (ad-ee-AN-tum) pedatum (pay-DAH-tum)

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