Hay-scented Fern
Dennstaedtia punctilobula
Also listed as Dennstaedtia punctiloba, Sitobolium punctilobum
Also known as Eastern Hay-scented Fern
Climate Match for your location
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A deciduous fern with delicate, finely divided fronds that emit a pleasant hay-like fragrance when brushed. It spreads readily via rhizomes and makes an excellent groundcover for shaded woodland gardens.
Why grow it
Hay-scented fern offers reliable, fine-textured groundcover for shaded areas where many other ferns struggle with competition or soil conditions. Its aromatic fronds distinguish it from similar deciduous ferns like lady fern, making it useful where sensory interest matters. It tolerates acidic, well-draining soils and establishes quickly, reducing the establishment period typical of some woodland understory plants.
Watch out for
This fern performs best in consistently moist (not waterlogged) soil; drought stress can set back establishment. In areas with very hot summers, afternoon shade and adequate moisture become increasingly important for healthy growth. Dense mats can eventually outcompete desirable understory species, so periodic thinning may be needed in smaller garden spaces.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Dennstaedtiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A deciduous fern with delicate, finely divided fronds that emit a pleasant hay-like fragrance when brushed. It spreads readily via rhizomes and makes an excellent groundcover for shaded woodland gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Hay-scented Fern grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Hay-scented fern offers reliable, fine-textured groundcover for shaded areas where many other ferns struggle with competition or soil conditions. Its aromatic fronds distinguish it from similar deciduous ferns like lady fern, making it useful where sensory interest matters. It tolerates acidic, well-draining soils and establishes quickly, reducing the establishment period typical of some woodland understory plants.
Watch out for
This fern performs best in consistently moist (not waterlogged) soil; drought stress can set back establishment. In areas with very hot summers, afternoon shade and adequate moisture become increasingly important for healthy growth. Dense mats can eventually outcompete desirable understory species, so periodic thinning may be needed in smaller garden spaces.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Dennstaedtiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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