Vick, Albert F. W.
Comptonia peregrina (L.) Coult.
Sweet fern, Sweet-fern
Myricaceae (Bayberry Family)
A small, aromatic mound-shaped
shrub, 2-4 ft. tall, occuring in dense colonies. Multiple stems with loose, spreading branches. Long, narrow, olive-green leaves, the edges of which have rolled back edges and rounded, fern-like division. Flowers are brown catkins that appear before the leaves unfold. A small
nut is enclosed in a bur-like husk.
Sweet-fern is a member of the wax-myrtle or bayberry family (family Myricaceae), which occurs nearly worldwide, with about 40 species of small trees and shrubs; 5
native tree species and 3
shrub species in North America. The leaves are very aromatic when crushed.
Image Gallery:
5 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Shrub Leaf: Green
Autumn Foliage: yes
Flower:
Fruit: Green, Brown
Size Class: 3-6 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Green
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: CT , DE , GA , IL , IN , KY , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , NH , NJ , NY , NC , OH , PA , RI , SC , TN , VT , VA , WV , WI , DC
Canada: NB ,
NS ,
ON ,
PE Native Distribution: N.S. to Sask., s. to GA, KY, n. IL & n. MN
Native Habitat: Dry, open woods; roadsides; sandy barrens
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Sandy, acid soils.
Conditions Comments: No serious disease or insect problems.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Throughout its range, the grey hairstreak feeds on many families of plants. For unknown reasons the grey hairstreak is restricted to feeding on sweetfern in the northern limits of its range. (Canadian BIF)
Attracts: Birds , Butterflies
Larval Host: Grey Hairstreak butterfly (Strymon melinus)
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Comptonia peregrina is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
Last Update: 2007-07-01
