Maidenhair Spleenwort is a somewhat surprising fern, as it has the look of a maidenhair fern with its black wiry stems and bright green, rounded leaflets, but it grows in a rosette form, as do aspleniums (think birds' nest ferns). Dainty and petite, this evergreen fern grows to only six to eight inches tall, and may spread up to a foot wide. It has been seen growing in rocky crevices but does best in rich, well-draining soil. For year-round shade container planters and baskets, consider planting this intriguing fern close to the edge where its fronds can be easily seen and admired.