TN Nursery's Fern Favorites

Fiddlehead Fern

Fiddlehead ferns are tightly coiled shoots resembling the scroll of a violin and are often used as a culinary delicacy. Their young, coiled fronds, such as the Ostrich type (Matteuccia struthiopteris), offer several benefits when landscaping projects. These unique and visually appealing plants have been admired for their charming appearance and practical uses in outdoor spaces. Fiddlehead Fern is native to North America, northern Asia, and Europe. In North America, they are most commonly found in Eastern Canada, southern Alaska, and from Maine to Illinois. Matteuccia Struthiopteris gets its name from the crowns it develops in the spring. These crowns or fonds tend to resemble the heads of violins or feathers. The Looks Of Fiddlehead Fern It is famous for its vase shape and tall curled fonds. On average, gardeners can expect them to grow between three and four feet tall and one foot wide. However, once well established, they can grow up to six feet tall and have a width of up to eight feet. They are found naturally in wooded areas that have rivers or streams. It is considered a deciduous perennial that grows upright. They don't develop flowers. Instead, the leaves are bright to medium green. The plant grows its fiddleheads in the spring, and they can reach heights of one and a half feet tall. Where to Plant Fiddlehead Fern in Your Garden They grow well in areas that lack full sun. Gardeners can enjoy planting them in shade gardens, along walls, and around trees and tall shrubs. When they develop their spore-bearing fronds in the summer, gardeners can dry them and use them in flower bouquets or arrangements in vases. It covers frogs and birds, especially robins, wrens, and wood thrushes, which tend to forage in them. These may also attract turtles, butterflies, and bees. Fiddlehead Ferns Companion Plants It grows well next to green ash, Virginia bluebells, wild ginger, swamp buttercup, common elderberry, golden Alexander, and wild blue phlox. It can also be planted under or near the American elm and silver maple tree. It makes beautiful additions to shade gardens and helps fill empty spaces under trees and around shrubs. It also has around water features in any area resembling its natural habitats.

Maidenhair Fern

The Maidenhair Fern is a delicate, deciduous plant with finely divided, fan-shaped fronds and distinctive black stems, adding an elegant touch to shaded gardens and moist woodlands. It is an aesthetically pleasing plant that offers a range of benefits when used in landscaping. Its unique characteristics and visual appeal make it famous for outdoor and indoor spaces.  The Maidenhair is prized for its delicate leaves and long lifespan. The scientific name is Adiantum SPP, and it's part of 250 species of these plants, including the Northern, Delta, and Southern Maidenhair ferns. The Greek part of the plant's official name means unwetted, and it gets that name from its ability to shed water without getting damp. These plants are native to the Himalayas, East Asia, and the eastern part of North America. Maidenhair Fern's Leaves  Adiantum spp are prized for their fan-shaped leaves. They are known to make excellent houseplants and usually grow between one and two feet tall and the same width. Their stems are wiry black, while the leaves are bright green. Gardeners can expect them to reach their full height in three years, and with proper care, they can live up to 15 years. Maidenhair Fern Grows Well In Pots  Adiantum SPP grows well in pots, containers, and terrariums and can be replanted as it outgrows its container. It also makes great container plants and can be planted in shade gardens and hosta gardens. The Adiantum SPP is known for its air purification qualities. The leaves draw in airborne toxins and are used as nutrients, helping them clean the air wherever they are planted. They also release moisture, which can help combat dry indoor air. When the Adiantum SPP is grown outdoors, it can help stabilize loose soil and cover wildlife, including frogs, lizards, and birds. Birds will sometimes use the dried frons to line their nests. Companion Plants For Maidenhair Fern  The Adiantum SPP can be grown with other flowers and ferns, including the strawberry begonia, coral bells, ginger, woodland geraniums, bloodroot, hostas, hellebores, and pulmonarias. Gardeners can enjoy the calmness of Maidenhair Ferns indoors and outdoors. They make excellent potted plants and look wonderful around water features and along hillsides. They can also be combined with other ferns and flowers to create eye-catching garden beds.

Ostrich Fern

The Ostrich Fern is a large, deciduous fern with graceful, feathery fronds that resemble ostrich plumes. It is commonly found in moist woodland areas and is prized for its ornamental value. The plant is a magnificent and beneficial plant with several advantages in landscaping projects. The Tall and Lovely Ostrich Fern Ostrich Fern is an attractive dimorphic plant that gardeners use all year round to beautify their patches. In its nonfertile state, the plant grows to a height of 6 feet, the gorgeous fronds resembling plumes, hence the plant's name. In its fertile state, which occurs in the fall and early winter, it is much smaller. However, The shape is attractive, so it still provides pleasing shapes in a garden, even if that shape changes. The Different Phases of Ostrich Fern When nonfebrile, it is a rich, almost Kelly green, the arching fronds swooshing enticingly in the breeze. It contrasts with other blooming plants and serves as a color anchor in a garden of flowers. They're hardy, too, so you can plant them nearly anywhere to beautify a particular place. Although they aren't green and sweeping in the winter, they're still attractive as they survive the cold and snow while the perennials sleep until spring. First, Ostrich Fern's extensive root system is an excellent soil stabilizer, and the other plants in the garden will benefit thereby because its roots prevent erosion and nutrient loss in the soil. Second, they are a boon to various garden-dwelling wildlife. Several species of butterflies and beneficial insects rely on plants like it for shelter and as a place for egg laying and pupae maturation. Perhaps best of all, although fiddleheads are a delicacy for people when cooked, animals don't like their taste. So, you won't have to worry about rabbits, deer, and other woodland creatures venturing into the garden for a snack. The Serenity Of Ostrich Fern Feng shui practitioners rely on it to bring harmony to a dwelling and the adjacent garden. The way it morphs back into a verdant, thriving plant after being so much smaller throughout the winter also indicates a symbolism of new beginnings.

New York Fern

The New York Fern is a native, deciduous species with delicate, lacy fronds and a distinctive appearance, commonly found in Eastern North American woodlands. These medium-sized ferns offer a delightful display of yellow-green fronds that carpet the forest floor. The fern has a delicate blade shape with a triangular leaf structure. The plant's blade is most comprehensive in the middle and tapers sharply at both ends. The New York Fern is a type of plant that grows well throughout the eastern part of North America, and it's found in large numbers throughout New York. This perennial is what you need to fill specific spaces in your yard that would benefit from greenery but might not be as friendly towards some of the flowers that currently occupy your space. Let's see why this plant might fit your current landscape well. New York Fern Reduces Soil Erosion and Weed Growth The fern is typically used as ground cover in areas where grass and other plants don't do as well. As a result, filling these spaces comes with some benefits. First, this plant takes root to prevent soil erosion in areas where soil isn't being kept in place by root systems. As an added benefit, the growth of this lush green plant throughout your yard makes it difficult for weeds to take root, preventing unwanted weed growth. New York Ferns Absorbs Airborne Pollutants These plants are adept at capturing pollutants from the air, making it easier for you to breathe and enjoy your outdoor space. If you're constantly bothered by dust or pollen, consider adding this plant to your landscape and others known to improve air quality. Add Bio-Diversity To Your Garden With The New York Ferns Biodiversity is essential on any property, and you'll find that this plant is a friend to local wildlife. For example, this ground cover is known to serve as an excellent cover for certain animals like toads. The better news? It's not a plant typically sought after by larger animals like deer, which means it will cover other animals until the cold weather comes in. New York Fern is a fast-growing plant that will quickly establish itself in your space, and trailing rhizomes will constantly be shooting up additional fronds that provide an even thicker look to your space. If you're looking for something hard to ruin and will start thriving in specific spaces almost immediately, this is the ground cover to go with.

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 Characteristics and Usage  The Hay Scented Fern offers gardeners and landscapers a convenient way to provide green ground coverage to any outdoor area. The fronds have a striking appearance due to their intricate leaflets. They also give off a unique scent, which is how they get their name. If you want to plant these intriguing plants in your yard or garden, read on as we tell you what you need to know about them.  Aesthetics Of This native Fern  The short answer is yes. The fronds of the Hay Scented Fern have individually cut leaflets that grow opposite each other. The subleaflets mimic the frond's appearance, resulting in a very intricate design and a microcosm of the plant as a whole. The color of the fronds is a verdant green in the spring and summer, giving way to a golden yellow in the fall - evocative of the colors that we commonly associate with that time of year. So, the Hay-Scented Fern will naturally keep up with the motifs of the changing seasons. The fronds of the Hay-Scented Fern are unique because they grow straight up from the underground rhizome (the stem). The fronds spread over spring and summer to cover the soil below. Hay-scented fern fronds can grow about a foot wide and up to four feet tall They have a blade-like shape that tapers to a fine point. Even at the very tip of the fronds, you can still see tiny leaflets mimicking the overall shape of the leaves. This makes them very intricate plants that evoke awe and wonder at nature's designs, whether you are looking at them up close or from afar. The fern adds a lush, forest-like aesthetic to outdoor areas. It is found in wooded areas in North America and has been added to many landscapes to affect the calm, serene aesthetic of dewy forest with dense undergrowth. Of course, the Hay Scented Fern offers gardeners an easy way to add a touch of green to brown or drab landscape areas. They work exceptionally well as edgers around hardscapes and can be used to replace grass where it may be challenging to grow. Love To Smell Fresh Cut Hay? Hay Scented Ferns Has This Summer Aroma  The beauty of the Hay-Scented Fern does not end with its visual qualities. It entices the sense of smell as well. When the fronds are rubbed, pressed, or otherwise disturbed, they give off a distinct scent of freshly cut hay. The aroma is evocative of the smells we associate with the summer months and adds an immersive element to your yard or garden.  What Does Hay-Scented Fern Offer?  It's clear that the Hay Scented Fern is a beautiful plant, but are there any practical benefits to growing it? Indeed, and here are just a few advantages: They Provide A Habitat for Wildlife - The Hay-Scented Fern provides good cover for small, ground-dwelling animals. So, if you want to make your property a sanctuary for various wildlife, this fern will provide immediate appeal. The spores on the underside of the fronds are also food for certain insects that help enrich the soil.  They Prevent Soil Erosion- This is a deciduous type of fern, which means it sheds its fronds every year only to grow new ones in the spring. This helps to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion from overdrying. The roots of the fern can also help bind the soil. They Are A Native Fern-As a fern native to North America, the hay-scented fern is easy to grow and maintain and helps purify the soil.  Other ferns like this also help remove toxins from the soil and even purify the air. They Keep Away Deer - If you are having trouble with deer damaging your plants, the Hay-Scented Fern can deter them. Lining the edge of your lawn or garden with Hay-Scented Fern can help keep deer away as they are not attracted to this type of plant. Hay-Scented Fern Frequently Asked Questions  Now let's cover some important topics about this fern and how to take care of them:  What is the Hay-Scented Fern Used for?  In suburban gardens, the Hay-Scented Fern is often used as groundcover and to provide some greenery to a landscape. In more rural areas, Hay-Scented Ferns can repel deer and other small, problematic critters.  How Big Do Hay-Scented Ferns Grow? The fronds of the Hay Scented Fern can stretch to about a foot wide. The plant can reach a height between one and four feet at maturity. Their size makes them an excellent choice for small garden areas. And if you have a large area you need to cover, they can spread quickly if you have ample shade. Do Hay-Scented Ferns Like Sun or Shade? The light requirements for Hay Scented Ferns are shaded to partially shaded areas. They also like acidic, moist soil that drains well.  How Do You Plant Hay-Scented Ferns? It's best to plant these ferns in the spring. The hole should be the depth of the rootball itself and twice as wide. The crown should be about ½" below the surface of the soil. Add compost to enrich the soil and help the Hay-Scented Fern grow properly. When Should I Prune Hay-Scented Ferns? Pruning is necessary for these ferns unless fronds or leaflets are yellowing or dying before the season. To prune, cut back the fronds down to the soil line. Any pruning should be done in the early spring after all growth has ceased. Easy and Fun Planting The prime fern specimens we sell here at TN Nursery will have you growing beautiful green plants in no time. Plus, we offer grower direct pricing so you can beautify your garden affordably. Enjoy the beauty and practical benefits of ferns by placing an order today Hay-Scented Fern Smells Like Fresh Hay That's Just Been Harvested Hay Scented Fern Dennstaedtia punctiloba, a deciduous fern, has the aroma of freshly cut hay when crushed. Up to two feet (60 cm) tall, they may extend to three or four feet (0.9-1.2 m) broad. The rhizomes of this fern, which are underground stems, are responsible for the fern's singular growth. The fronds of the hay-scented fern become a delicate yellow in the autumn. This ground cover's long lifespan is a great asset, and it's a hardy native favorite that cleans toxins from the air and the soil.  These ferns form dense clumps and are known to keep deer away. Hay-scented ferns may be found from Newfoundland to Alabama, although the eastern states of North America have the greatest concentration. U.S.D.A. climatic zones 3-8 are home to hay-scented ferns.  Forest floors are carpeted with a lush green carpet of moss and ferns. Meadows, farms, and cliffs are other typical habitats for these plants.  How to Grow a Hay-scented Fern in Your Garden Hay-scented ferns are very simple to grow since they are resilient and quickly establish themselves in the garden. A well-drained region is ideal for these ferns. Add some compost to your soil if it's lacking in nutrients. To keep the ferns from interfering with one other, you should plant them approximately 18 inches (45 centimeters) apart.  Slightly acidic soil is ideal for these ferns, which thrive in partial shade. They will not seem as lush and vibrant when grown in a whole light. Ferns in a Haystack The hay-scented fern are challenging to control once it has taken root and spread. Pulling off part of the spring growth will curb the spread of these stubborn plants if your garden needs it. Caring for a hay-scented fern does take little energy. Fish emulsion fertilizer may be used to restore the color of your ferns if they begin to fade. It has been reported that these ferns may last for a decade. Uses of Hay-Scented Ferns Wildlife Significance of Hay-Scented Ferns The Hay-Scented Fern's environmental significance to animals is pretty poor. Like other ferns, it does not constitute a significant food source; however, a few insects allegedly feed on the spore-bearing fronds. You may use them as a border-edging ground cover and naturalize your landscape with them This hardy fern favorite is native to open woodlands. Its natural elegance can enhance any space, whether it's growing in a pot, adding charm to gardens, or providing flawless ground cover. 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 way. The plant has narrow fronds that create bright green leaves throughout the spring and summer. In fall, the fronds turn golden yellow to display a stunning 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. Scented types exude an aroma of freshly cut hay in the late summer, which is 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. When the stems are disturbed or broken, they release a fresh, summery fragrance. Perhaps because of this scent, the plant repels rabbits and deer, which many gardeners appreciate. Because these deciduous plants lose their leaves in late fall and early winter, they produce fresh growth throughout the spring and summer because they are shade perennials. Hay Scented Fern Reaches 2 feet in height at maturity Unlike many other species, Hay Scented Fern 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. Hay Scented Fern Has Unique Foliage  The small leaflets have finely serrated margins and pointy, lance-shaped tips positioned alternately along the length of the stem. The fronds provide a stunning explosion of vibrant green foliage, making a spectacular backdrop for any surrounding landscape.

Christmas Fern

Christmas ferns are known for their evergreen fronds that stay green throughout the winter, making them a popular choice for holiday decorations. An evergreen plant that offers numerous landscaping benefits. Its elegant appearance, resilience, and adaptability make it a favorite choice for professional landscapers and homeowners alike. One of the key advantages of incorporating it into landscaping is its aesthetic appeal. Add Year-Round Cover With Christmas Fern The fronds of Christmas ferns are distinctive for their lustrous, dark green coloration. The crownless rootstock produces clusters of fronds that can be one to two feet long. Wintertime sees the delicate, light-green leaves changing color from green to golden. They are great for covering uneven terrain since they spread slowly from dormant rhizomes and develop in clusters. These native plants keep their greenery throughout the year to start photosynthesis earlier. The presence of chlorophyll, which indicates the photosynthesis process is underway, is indicated by the color green. These plants do not flower. They are spore-borne rather than gametophytic. However, they boast verdant foliage from April to the first frost; these silvery green baby fronds, known as fiddleheads, emerge in the early spring as new leaves. Protect the Yard From Soil Erosion With Christmas Fern Christmas Ferns keep their fronds in winter; they press down on fallen leaves to hasten their decomposition and provide nutrients to the soil. This goes a long way in protecting the yard against soil erosion. These plants also stop soil erosion by using their roots to bind the soil together. Plus, when planted firmly in the ground, they create thick barriers made of stems that reduce the rate at which water flows through them. Create Natural Landscapes With Christmas Fern A lot of people like to plant it in their yards because of the texture and foliage they provide. They do a great job at creating natural-looking landscapes. The fact that they are hardy enough to survive light snowfall and cold makes them perfect for winter gardening. They can also handle a large range of soil types and flourish in partly shady or entirely shaded locations. Birds, insects, and even small mammals may find food and refuge under them. The dense vegetation provides excellent cover for ground-dwelling species. The plants conceal prey from predators by shading other animals and invertebrates that feed on the ground.

Sensitive Fern

The Sensitive Fern is a hardy, deciduous plant with finely dissected fronds that curl up when touched or exposed to frost. This makes it a unique and exciting addition to damp woodland gardens. This fern is a beloved plant that gets its name due to its sensitive nature, preferring specific environments that are mostly warm and humid. But despite its name, it's one that you should pay attention to if you live in a region that it can grow in. Let's examine why this perennial plant is a must-have for your landscape.  Sensitive Fern Is Stunning in Greater Numbers This plant looks good, but it produces a lush, green, thick spectacle that quickly adds more to any space when you plant multiple perennials together. The lobed leaves blend and reach up and out at a maximum height of about two feet. If you want to add some volume and life to spaces that need it most, consider adding several plants to your landscape. They may even spread naturally with time. Sensitive Fern Acts As a Home for Wildlife These plants grow in areas where wildlife flourishes, meaning they play an essential role in the ecosystem. Speaking of its more practical uses, small animals like frogs and salamanders will use the leaves of this plant to take cover and escape from the heat. If you're looking for plants that are friends with and attractors of wildlife, this one will be an excellent fit for your space. Sensitive Fern also serves as a source for animals and insects, so you won't have to worry about the wildlife population in your area decimating your plants before you can enjoy them. It is both deer—and rabbit-resistant, with larger animals only taking a few leaves or avoiding them entirely. This ensures that your plants still contribute positively to the environment but aren't at risk of being wiped out by animals. Sensitive Fern Is A Stunning Border Plant Groundcover like Sensitive Fern is the perfect solution where more common plants cannot grow. Adding height and color to more moist and humid areas of your property, these perennials take root and help your property look less bare, supporting the areas in your yard that need it most.