Common name: Himalayan maidenhair

Family name: Pteridaceae

Description: delicate looking fern that acts as a ground cover; very fresh green in colour with an air, almost frothy appearance, and dark stipes which contrast with the fresh green of the ferns

Flower: n/a

Foliage: trip innately compound fronds; delicate ovate leaflets, very fine texture; evergreen; fronds open up with a warm bronze blush in late winter, so that adds seasonal interest.

Growing conditions: light to dappled shade, maximum 1 hour of direct sunlight per day; plant in a cool location; well-drained soil.

Height and spread: 0.15 by 0.9 m

Limitations: cannot tolerate drying out or much direct sunlight or the leaves will curl and brown

Landscape uses: Lining pathways, ground cover in shady locations.