Hay Scented Fern Is Easy To Grow and Thrive Almost Anywhere
The hay scented fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) is a deciduous fern native to eastern North America. It is commonly found in moist woods, thickets, and along stream banks. When the fern gets its name from its fragrance when crushed, it is often described as smelling like hay.
Hay Scented Fern Characteristics
They have triangular fronds that can grow up to 2-3 feet in height, with deeply cut leaflets that give them a lacy appearance. They typically grow in large clumps and can spread rapidly through underground rhizomes.
The ferns are often used in landscaping as a ground cover or to create a naturalistic woodland setting. In the wild, they provide essential habitats for wildlife, including birds and small mammals.
The fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) is generally considered easy to grow and popular for gardens and landscapes. They are native to North America and thrive in shady areas with moist, well-drained soil.
Hay scented ferns can tolerate a range of soil types but prefer a slightly acidic pH of around 5.5 to 6.5. They also adapt to different light conditions, although they do best in partial to full shade.
Hay Scented Fern Are Natives, Hardy, and Easy To Maintain
They are non-flowering ferns that can produce 36-inch fronds when mature. The lack of flowers is more than made up by the bright green fronds that smell like hay when broken or crushed.