Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis)

Sensitive Fern

(Onoclea sensibilis)

Kurt Stüber [1]

CC BY-SA 3.0

Image By: Kurt Stüber [1]

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Onoclea sensibilis, commonly known as Sensitive Fern or Bead Fern, is a deciduous perennial fern native to swampy areas, marshes, wet meadows, and stream banks in the Eastern United States, Canada, as well as parts of East Asia including Japan, Korea, and regions of Russia and China. The fern is named for its sensitivity to frost, with fronds dying quickly upon exposure. It features two distinct types of fronds: sterile ones that are broad and arching, and fertile ones that are erect and bead-like, persisting through winter. Sensitive Fern typically grows to a medium to large size, with a coarse texture.

Sensitive Fern is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used in shaded or woodland gardens, rain gardens, and near ponds or streams. It provides lush greenery during the growing season and is relatively low maintenance. The plant’s preference for acidic soils and its tolerance for wet conditions make it a suitable choice for challenging garden spots. It is also used for erosion control due to its spreading rhizomes. In cultivation, it requires part to full shade and consistent moisture, performing best in acidic, loamy to sandy soils with good drainage. While generally disease-free, it can become invasive in optimal conditions, spreading aggressively via rhizomes.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Fern
Height: 3-4 feet
Width: 3-4 feet
Growth Rate: Rapid
Flower Color: N/A
Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
Water: Medium, High
Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Swampy areas, marshes, wet meadows, and stream banks

Other Names

Common Names: Bead Fern , Meadow Brake , Polypod Brake , Druebregne , Onoclée , Onoclée Sensible , Bolletjesvaren , Pärlbräken

Scientific Names: Onoclea sensibilis , Onoclea sensibilis var. obtusilobata , Onoclea sensibilis f. ventroperaferens , Angiopteris sensibilis , Calypterium sensibile , Onoclea augescens , Onoclea obtusiloba , Onoclea obtusilobata , Onoclea sensibilis f. acutisegmenta , Onoclea sensibilis f. hemiphylloides

GBIF Accepted Name: Onoclea sensibilis L.