Venus maidenhair fern, also called southern maidenhair fern, produces delicate, new, pale green fronds that mature to medium green. The stems are very thin, wiry and dark purple. Each individual leaflet, called a “pinnule” is shaped like a miniature fan, resembling ginkgo leaves. This fern is fond of moist woodland conditions and limestone cliffs. It grows in the southern half of the U.S. and warm, moist regions around the world. It can be found farther north in warm microclimates, such as hot springs. It would be an elegantly textured addition to the shade garden in the South. In the Chicago area it is best grown in a greenhouse.