Five-finger Fern

Adiantum aleuticum

fernView on Calscape

Care

Sun

full shade, part shade

Water

regular

Soil

moist, humus-rich, well-drained; near water

Size

1–2ft tall, 1–2ft wide

Foliage

Deciduous

Deer

Resistant

Container

Friendly

Native Range

Pacific Coast from Alaska to California; inland mountains

Non-flowering; reproduces by spores

Distinctive finger-like frond arrangement; needs consistent moisture

Care Guide

Planting

Plant your Five Finger Fern in full to partial shade - it thrives in the shaded understory conditions of its native habitat. Choose a spot with moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil, ideally near a water source or in a location that stays consistently damp; this fern evolved in rock crevices near streams and won't tolerate dry conditions. Space plants about 1-2 feet apart to accommodate their mature height of 0.5–2.0 feet.

After Planting

Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist, especially during your first summer as the plant establishes itself. This is a deciduous fern, so expect it to die back in winter and regrow in spring - this is normal and requires no special pruning. The most common mistake is letting the soil dry out; unlike many houseplants, this fern genuinely prefers consistently moist conditions and will decline quickly if underwatered.

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Endangered & Threatened Species Supported

California red-legged frogRana draytonii

Listed under federal ESA and CESA; Critical habitat designated; amphibian chytrid fungus threat

Federal: Threatened, CA: Threatened, CA Special Concern

California NewtTaricha torosa

California Species of Special Concern; Population declines documented

CA Special Concern

Ornate shrewSorex ornatus

Ornate shrew is a Species of Special Concern

CA Special Concern

Wildlife Supported