Adiantum capillus-veneris (Venus' Hair Fern) is a fern that is commonly found on wet, rocky outcroppings near streams and rivers. This delicate fern is widespread around the world and is found in the US across the southern states from coast to coast. The fan shaped leaves hang from blackish-purple stems and closely resemble Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum) leaves. Adiantum capillus-veneris literally means the hair (capillus) of venus (veneris) that is unwettable (adiantum.)