Hay Scented Fern
The Hay-Scented Fern is a deciduous fern known for its delicate, finely divided fronds and a distinctive fragrance reminiscent of freshly mown hay when crushed, commonly found in woodland areas. It is a versatile and attractive plant with numerous landscaping benefits. This deciduous plant is native to North America and can be valuable to garden designs, incorporating texture, ground cover, and visual interest.
Hay Scented Fern is native to the open woodlands. Whether it's growing in a pot, adding charm to gardens, or providing flawless ground cover, the natural elegance of the plant can enhance any space.
Decorative Attributes of Hay Scented Fern
Also known as dennstaedtia punctilobula, this classy and stylish greenery is both functional and decorative in a laid-back kind of way. The plant has narrow fronds that create bright green leaves throughout the spring and summer. In fall, the fronds turn golden yellow to provide a stunning display of seasonal color.
These plants provide superior ground cover, and because of their decorative qualities, the fragrant ferns can add texture and splashes of bright greenery to shade gardens. The greenery also makes a unique and striking border for garden beds.
Amazing Fragrance Of Hay Scented Fern
Scented types exude an aroma of freshly cut hay in the late summer. That's how this plant got its name. The wonderful aroma smells like summer itself, with the fragrance of freshly mowed lawns hanging sweetly in the warm air.
The fresh, summery fragrance is released into the air when the stems are disturbed or broken. Perhaps because of the scent, the plant repels rabbits and deer, which many gardeners appreciate.
Fall Foliage Of Hay Scented Fern
Because these plants are deciduous, they lose their leaves in late fall and early winter. Nevertheless, because they are shade perennials, the plants produce fresh growth throughout the spring and summer.
Garden Display Of Hay Scented Fern
Unlike many other species, this plant has individual fronds that grow almost straight up from an underground stem called a rhizome. Plants can be up to two feet tall and four feet wide. The feathery, finely textured fronds are appreciated for their lush and abundant appearance.
After emerging from the creeping underground stems, the fronds spread slowly, forming clusters of bright green carpeting over the ground. Abundant little leaflets give the fronds their lush, feathery appeal.
The small leaflets have finely serrated margins and pointy, lance-shaped tips that are positioned alternately along the length of the stem. The fronds provide a stunning explosion of vibrant green foliage that makes a stunning backdrop for any surrounding landscape.
