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Japanese painted fern and Western maidenhair fern: growing conditions and wildlife benefits.

COMMON CHOICE Japanese painted fern Athyrium niponicum	NATIVE ALTERNATIVE Western maidenhair fern Adiantum aleuticum
	GO NATIVE
Native range
Eastern Asia	Subarctic America to N. Mexico.See state guides
Sunlight
Part to full shade	Shade
Soil moisture
Moist, rich, well-drained soil	Average moisture
Mature height
1½–2 ft	1–2½ ft
Mature spread
1½–2 ft	1–2½ ft
USDA hardiness zones
4–9	Choose nursery stock suited to local winters.
Season of interest
Spring–fall foliage	Seasonal fern foliage
Garden & wildlife value
Not listed in the source profile; this fern has no flowers or nectar.	Native fan-shaped fronds add fine texture to a shaded woodland garden.
Growing notes
Slowly expands into a clump. Light shade brings out the frond colors; strong sun can wash them out.	Needs steady moisture, good drainage, and shelter from drying winds; use nursery-propagated plants.
Growing information	Growing information Native range: Kew Additional growing guidance

Sizes describe the species; individual cultivars can differ.