Five-finger Fern
Adiantum aleuticum
Care
full shade, part shade
regular
moist, humus-rich, well-drained; near water
0–2ft tall , 0–1ft wide
Deciduous
Resistant
Friendly
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.
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
Listed under federal ESA and CESA; Critical habitat designated; amphibian chytrid fungus threat
California Species of Special Concern; Population declines documented
Ornate shrew is a Species of Special Concern
Wildlife Supported
Amphibians
moist fern habitat refugium during breeding migration and overwintering
dense riparian vegetation for shelter and prey habitat adjacent to breeding streams
Mammals
cover for nesting and foraging in riparian understory habitat
dense frond cover for foraging and nesting in moist woodland understory
Birds
nesting season foraging in dense fern cover near streams April-July
Insects
fungal pathogen, active during moist conditions typical of riparian habitat
larval feeding on fronds during growing season
opportunistic pathogen in moist riparian conditions