Eastern Hay-Scented Fern

(Dennstaedtia punctilobula)

Eastern Hay-Scented Fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Dennstaedtia punctilobula, commonly known as Eastern Hay-Scented Fern, is a deciduous fern native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, forest edges, and clearings, as well as disturbed areas in eastern North America, from Newfoundland west to Wisconsin and Arkansas, and south in the Appalachian Mountains to northern Alabama. It is most abundant in the eastern part of its range, with only scattered populations in the west. This fern typically grows to be 1-3 feet tall and wide, with a spreading habit that can form dense colonies. The fronds are light green, triangular, and bipinnate with a distinctive hay-like fragrance when crushed, hence the common name.

The Eastern Hay-Scented Fern is valued for its ease of maintenance and its ability to quickly cover ground, making it an excellent choice for naturalizing in woodland gardens, shaded borders, or as a ground cover. It thrives in part shade to full shade and prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soils. While it is drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from regular watering during prolonged dry spells. Gardeners should be aware that this fern can be aggressive in optimal conditions, potentially crowding out other plants. It is also deer-resistant, which makes it a useful plant in areas with high deer populations.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Fern
  • Height: 1.5-3 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Groundcover, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands, forest edges, clearings, and disturbed areas in eastern North America

Other Names

Common Names: Hay-Scent Fern , Boulder Fern , Eastern Hayscented Fern , Dennstaedtia À Lobules Ponctués , Dennstaedtie Ponctilobulée , Dennstaedtie À Lobules Ponctués , Höbräken , Scented Hay Fern

Scientific Names: Dennstaedtia punctilobula , Dennstaedtia punctiloba , Dicksonia pilosiuscula , Dicksonia punctiloba , Dicksonia punctulobula , Adectum pilosiusculum , Dennstaedtia punctilobula f. cristata , Dennstaedtia punctilobula f. schizophylla , Dennstaedtia punctilobula var. cristata , Dennstaedtia punctilobula f. punctilobula

GBIF Accepted Name: Dennstaedtia punctilobula (Michx.) Moore