Growing in damp shady places, often close to running water, where its leaves are constantly sprayed or splashed, the Maidenhair fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris) has delicate lacy leaves. It is widely distributed in temperate, sub-tropical and tropical environments from the Amazon forest to the mountains of Syria and has been domesticated as an attractive  popular house plant.

It has been used in many cultures as a herbal remedy for a variety of complaints.