A distinctive and lovely cold hardy North American native fern that can be grown outdoors in USDA Zones 3 to 8, withstanding temperatures to -40F, or indoors as a year round houseplant. The Northern Maidenhair Fern is adored for its delicate, lacy bright green fronds with black stems (midribs), and the beautiful, soft texture it provides in the shade garden. It grows in an arching clump to about 18 to 24 inches high and equally as wide. If several are planted 18 inches apart in a garden bed they will slowly spread to form a lush and beautiful colony. It performs best in shady environments with moist, organically rich acid soils. A reliable fern that has come back every year for many years in our Georgia gardens, we've seen no problems with pests or disease and the deer and rabbits turn their nose up to it.