The American Maidenhair Fern is a very delicate fern with bright green finely textured frilly leaves and reddish brown to black wiry stems.  It is a perennial and it grows in clumps.  They can be found naturally in shady, moist, woody areas in the wild.  Since they need to be kept moist they would be great growing near a pond in a rock garden or any area of your yard as long as they get plenty of water.  The American Maidenhair tends to prefer shady areas but it can tolerate partial sun.

Besides ferns being awesome border plants or planted in and around more colorful flowery plants for interest, they can stand on their own in the garden.  They make great hanging container plants and look wonderful hanging from patio and porch covers.  They are really nice in window boxes as well.  They can also be grown inside and watched very carefully that they don't dry out.  They must be kept moist.

They can be cut and used in fresh flower arrangements.  I immediately think of roses but they would work with flowers from the most modest to the most lavish of blooms. 

The Maidenhair Fern prefers loamy to sandy and moist soil.  It will grow up to 1-2 feet and is a slow spreading plant.