Sensitive Fern

Sensitive Fern - Onoclea Sensibilis

The Sensitive Fern plant is native to eastern North America and eastern Asia. It forms lush colonies and has supple, bright green fronds. Growing naturally across a range of ecosystems, it is commonly found along river and stream banks, in swamps, and strewn across meadows.

This delightful fern gets its common name from its sensitivity to frost and drought. This responsive characteristic allows you to see climatic conditions within your garden. It is a deciduous fern, and after the first frost, it will begin to recede to its rhizomatous form. During this progression across autumn, the fronds provide a beautiful transition from bright green to golden yellow, adding another splash of color to the gardenscape.

Sensitive Fern Plant Details

Family: Onocleaceae

Hardiness Zones: 3–8

Light Requirement: Partial Shade - Full Shade

Water Needs: High

Height: 1.5 - 3 ft

Spread: 1–2 ft

Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

Bloom Time: NA

Flower Color: NA

Wildlife Value: Provides cover for amphibians and small animals

This fern will form colonies rapidly in the right environments, unraveling fertile and sterile fronds that are notably different in form. Sterile fronds unfurl pliable and lush, reaching up to 4 ft in length. Around late summer, the fertile fronds emerge and are considerably shorter than the sterile fronds. The fertile fronds emerge stiff and upright, with bead-like pinnae along the blade.

As summer progresses, the fertile fronds of the Sensitive Fern quickly turn brown. However, these brown stalks persist through winter, adding a unique texture to the landscape. The spores are released in the spring following the year they were produced.

Maintenance of Sensibilis Fern

Sensitive Fern plant is largely pest and disease-free; however, its sensitivity to drought and frost makes it higher maintenance than other ferns. It prefers soils rich in organic matter and requires part to full shade conditions. It can dominate a growing area as it is an aggressive spreader in ideal conditions. Plant this fern in an area where it has room to roam.

Characteristics

Winter persists, fertile fronds, habitat for wildlife, and a weather indicator. This lush, supple, and bright green fern will add dynamic understory texture across your garden and woodland alike. Shop for the Sensitive Fern online at TN Nursery. For 68 years, we have served the landscaping industry and homeowners with specimen plants.