Native Plant Database

Dennstaedtia punctilobula (Michx.) T. Moore

Eastern hay-scented fern, Eastern hayscented fern

Dennstaedtiaceae (Bracken Indies-Almond Family)

The fronds of eastern hay-scented fern are as much as a foot wide and occur singly in large colonies. The foliage is medium-green and two or three times cut, yielding a fine texture. The most striking thing about this 1-3 ft. fern is the soft, hairy surface of its fronds.

From a distance, hay scented fern can be confused with lady fern or silvery glade fern, but it may be recognized by the sweet scent of new mown hay which is released when the blade is crushed between the fingers or when it is dried.

No images of this plant

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb , Fern
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 3-6 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Not Applicable
Bloom Notes: Not a flowering plant. Reproduces by spores.

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , CT , DE , GA , IL , IN , KY , ME , MD , MA , MI , MO , NH , NJ , NY , NC , OH , PA , RI , SC , TN , VT , VA , WV , WI , DC
Canada: NB , NL , NS , ON , PE
Native Distribution: GA & AL to AR, n. to s. Nf., s.w. Que., MI, s. IL & MO
Native Habitat: Rocky, open woods; shady places; damp slopes
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Moist, well-drained, somewhat sterile soil.

Benefit

Interesting Foliage: yes
Fragrant Foliage: yes

Last Update: 2007-01-01