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Dennstaedtia punctilobula (Michx.) T. Moore

Eastern hay-scented fern, Eastern hayscented fern

Dennstaedtiaceae (Bracken Indies-Almond Family)

USDA Symbol: DEPU2

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

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.

 

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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 , DC , DE , GA , IL , IN , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MO , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , SC , TN , VA , VT , WI , WV
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

Propagation

Description: Propagate by spores or rhizome division. Cut rhizomes between fronds, set apart and trim back at least half of each frond.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

Find Seed or Plants

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

From the National Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

American Native Nursery - Quakertown, PA
Prairie Nursery - Westfield, WI

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Dennstaedtia punctilobula in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Dennstaedtia punctilobula in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Dennstaedtia punctilobula

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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