Native Ferns and Their Environmental Benefits

Native Ferns and Their Benefits

Ferns are so widespread that there are more than twelve thousand fern species worldwide! Ferns can adapt to almost any climate, and they can thrive in cooler, temperate zones or warm and humid tropical regions.

In the eastern United States, native ferns often form a large part of the natural landscape, especially in shady woodlands. Their airy, delicate shapes with serrated leaves are instantly recognizable. 

A lot of foragers love searching for fern fiddleheads, which are young ferns that haven't fully opened yet, that can be used to create various dishes. Some restaurants have fiddleheads on their spring menus as a seasonal delicacy. This brings a touch of spring to the table, making the dining experience a lot more special.

Most native ferns are deciduous and do not produce pollen or nectar, though sometimes the fronds are eaten by various wildlife. They also provide microhabitats for various insects and other creatures that live in woodland settings and provide shade and shelter for ground-feeding birds, turtles, and frogs. They will usually spread throughout a shady area over time. Ferns go dormant naturally and don’t need special pruning, though you may wish to remove the leaves once they turn brown in late autumn or parched weather. 

Ferns Improve Soil Health

Although some ferns are delicious and nutritious, planting ferns is also a great way to boost the health of the soil in your garden. Adding ferns to your garden is not only a good design choice but one that will improve the health of your soil. Ferns help with soil stabilization because they will grow in conditions many plants won’t, such as heavy clay soils or acidic soils. Ferns form thick rhizomes and roots that can help prevent soil erosion, as they can grow on slopes and in between rocks. 

Ferns Are Good for the Environment and Your Health

Native ferns also have the helpful ability to pull toxic materials from the soil, including heavy metals and arsenic. The process of removing pollutants from the soil is known as phytoremediation. They can also absorb airborne pollutants, including toluene, formaldehyde, and xylene, which can cause various adverse health issues, including headaches, breathing problems, and even cancer.

Native Ferns Species

Below are a few native ferns that will provide years of beauty and many environmental benefits for your garden:

The Ostrich fern, famous for its size, can reach heights of up to 6 feet, standing out as a giant among fern species. Its lush, bushy leaves resemble the feathery plumes of an ostrich, but the plant's size is most likely the true inspiration behind its name. Just like ostriches are much bigger than other birds, so is this fern compared to its siblings.The Ostrich fern does best in moist and fertile soil with organic matter (such as in thick forest underbrush with decaying plant matter). These ferns have large rhizomes and will spread quickly in a shady setting, so make sure to give them some room. They are essential for wildlife habitats and they are commonly seen growing throughout forests in the Northeast.

This is a more miniature deciduous fern that grows between 12-18 inches tall. The stems of the Maidenhair fern are relatively thin, and the fiddleheads are reddish. This fern does well in moist, rich, loam soil. It is popular amongst home gardeners for its smaller size, which allows for more design flexibility.

This deciduous fern usually grows between 2-3 feet tall, but in ideal conditions, may grow as tall as 5 feet. The Royal Fern likes rich, acidic soil that is relatively moist. It has large and well-separated leaves, giving them a sculptural appearance. This large fern does well alongside ponds, swamps, or other moist, boggy areas. Give it plenty of space, and it will spread beautifully.

Leatherwood Fern (Dryopteris marginalis) 

This evergreen fern has dark green leaves and usually grows to about 2 feet tall. Its fronds are very distinctive, with delicate serrated leaves. The Leatherwood fern does best in moist, rich soil with good drainage. It’s very hardy and, unlike many other native ferns, does not spread quickly or invasively in the garden. This fern prefers places sheltered from strong winds. 

Cinnamon Fern (Osmundastrum Cinnamomum) 

Named for its spicy fragrance as it matures, this large fern also has edible fiddleheads. Growing up to 3 feet tall, the Cinnamon fern prefers a moist, boggy environment and is often seen growing alongside swampy ground in woodland areas and meadows on the outskirts of forests. The soft fronds are a nutritious food source for some wildlife, including wild turkeys and ruffed grouse.

Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) 

Growing 1 to 3 feet tall, these evergreen ferns have a thick, leathery appearance to their bright green leaves. Their growth habit makes them striking, as they have a full, upright fountain shape. The Christmas ferns are more adaptable to soil conditions than others and tolerate somewhat dry soil. They can also be grown as houseplants and will grow beautifully in a pot in a shady spot.

New York Fern (Thelypteris noveboracensis) 

The New York fern is another fern that is adaptable to different soil conditions and will thrive in dry or moist soils. This attractive fern is on the shorter side, growing from 12-24 inches tall, and has delicate, tiny leaves that give it an airy look in the garden. The fronds are narrow at the base and tip and broader in the middle, giving them an unusual, curved shape.

This fern provides food for the caterpillars of two specific moths: the Pink-shaded Fern moth and the Close-banded Yellowhorn moth. Despite not producing flowers, this fern still provides food for what will eventually become pollinators!

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Hay Scented Fern - TN Nursery

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 (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) 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. But why is the hay-scented fern special? Hay-scented fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula): a fern with fluffy, feathery fronds and an excellent hay-like fragrance. The plant has glossy green leaves and so gives a fun look to gardens, especially shaded areas where other plants do not thrive.  Is the hay-scented fern easily tended?  Absolutely! This fern doesn't need much care and can adapt to many soils. Once established, it spreads easily, which is why it is an ideal ground cover.  Can the hay-smelling fern live in the sun?  Yes, it is hardy in the sun and half the shade. Where there is lots of sunlight, it forms dense, full soils; where there isn't much sun, it forms a carpet of broad grasses.  Is the hay-smelling fern a wildlife attraction?  The fern provides a healthy habitat for insects and amphibians of a small size. It has thick roots, too, which you can use to keep other unwanted plants at bay.  Is the hay-smelling fern suitable for open areas?  Definitely! It grows very quickly, and so it is ideal for big patches or steep slopes where it will hold back erosion. Its easy-to-grow habit means it makes appearances abundant and uniform without much work.

Cinnamon Fern - TN Nursery

Cinnamon Fern

The Cinnamon Fern is a large deciduous plant characterized by its distinctive, brown-colored fertile fronds standing upright in the center. It is captivating and versatile and has numerous landscaping benefits. This plant, native to eastern North America, has become famous for gardeners and landscapers due to its aesthetic appeal, adaptability, and environmental contributions. Cinnamon Fern grows to a height of 6 feet and spreads about 4 feet on its black stalks. The unfurled pinnae are Kelly green on top, while the fronds in the center of the plant, which give it its name, are dark brown and resemble sticks of cinnamon because they grow straight up. Cinnamon Fern (Osmundastrum Cinnamomeum) Early in the spring, the central fronds that turn brown later start life as silver-colored fiddleheads. They're covered in fur, too, charmingly "shaking off the cold of winter." The broad fronds on the stalks form a cute rosette around the central stalks. The silver fiddleheads match well with Fescue or Brunner. Those fiddleheads appear early in the year when the top of the plant is clumped together in a cute bundle. As the Cinnamon Fern Opens When the fiddleheads are ready to open, their silver hair turns brown and clings to the base of the pinnae as they expand to their full glory. The large, broad pinnae on 3-foot fronds is the sterile variety. In the center of the plant, the brown-colored fronds with much smaller pinnae are the fertile fronds. The plant's attractiveness comes from the contrast between the two frond types. Secondarily, the contrast between the expanded fronds and any nearby silver flowers they used to match is equally striking. When it comes to the sterile fronds, they can hold almost two dozen pinnae that taper gently in size from large to small, creating a shape that nearly resembles a palm frond made up of pinnae. The Sporangia Of The Cinnamon Fern This plant doesn't have sori. Instead, it has sporangia that surround the stalk of the fertile frond. These turn brown as they open and give the plant its name. Up close, they're made up of tiny dots that wrap around the stalk in delicate, beautiful shapes. From the time the plants peek through until the fiddleheads unfurl, it is about a week during the spring. During this time, you can see the shape of the pinnae and fronds develop and become full members of the garden for that year. Cinnamon Ferns Are The First Ferns To Emerge In The Spring Cinnamon Fern makes an attractive, striking, and attention-grabbing entry in any garden, and because they're perennial, they'll be back every year to be a lovely garden anchor. What conditions do cinnamon ferns like to grow in?  Cinnamon ferns grow best in damp conditions, particularly in woodlands or along water courses. They do well in soil that is rich in nutrients and which has good drainage.  How Fast Do Cinnamon Ferns Grow  Cinnamon ferns are moderately fast growers and will reach their full size in the first to the second year of growth. If the growing conditions are conducive, then they can grow up to 4 feet and as broad as 4 feet.  Do Cinnamon Ferns Multiply  Indeed, it is split by producing both spores and through forming a system of subterranean stems called rhizomes.  Do cinnamon ferns like acidic soil?  Cinnamon fern-like soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of between 5.5 and 7.0. The ferns may require other amendments placed into the soil, such as adding organic matter like a bag of leaf compost.  How Much Water Does A Cinnamon Fern Need  Cinnamon ferns are native to moist habitats, and the soil should be kept moist at all times, more so during the hot season. They prefer consistent watering, but if they are overwatered, they can experience root rot that can be deadly to the plant.

Christmas Fern - TN Nursery

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. Christmas Ferns (Polystichum acrostichoides) - a Semi-Evergreen Native Fern Species 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 Many people like to plant it in their yards because of the texture and foliage it provides. It does a great job of creating natural-looking landscapes. It is hardy enough to survive light snowfall and cold, making it perfect for winter gardening. It can also handle a wide range of soil types and flourish in partly shady or entirely shaded locations. Christmas Ferns Can Grow Up To 3 Feet Tall 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. Are Christmas Ferns Evergreen  Yes, Christmas ferns are evergreen. They are vibrantly green from the fall season up to the winter season. This quality makes them a preferred choice for adding greenery to a garden or any landscape at any season.  Where Is The Best Place To Plant A Christmas Fern  Christmas fern grows best in moist, shady, or semi-shady locations and in soils that are well-drained. They are perfect for growing on a slope as a means of conserving the soil.  How To Identify A Christmas Fern  You can easily recognize Christmas fern by its fronds - the leaves are dark green, thick, and cut into a rather pointed shape. The plant is boat-shaped, with the fronds spreading gracefully outward from the center of the plant.  Do Christmas ferns multiply?  Yes, Christmas ferns reproduce gradually in the sense that they grow through their rhizomes. Though they are not invasive, they grow in relatively large masses from which new plants can be separated.  Which Is The Ideal Time To Plant Christmas Ferns  It is recommended that Christmas ferns be planted in early spring or in the early part of the fall. It also enables one to initiate root growth during one of these cool periods without additional stress arising from sizzling heat or freezing temperatures.

Thelypteris noveboracensis - TN Nursery

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. New York Fern (Thelypteris noveboracensis) for Your Garden is a Popular Native Ground Cover Fern 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 Ferns Can Stand 1 to 2 Feet Tall at Maturity 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. How do you identify a New York Fern A New York Fern is identified by the smaller fronds that taper at both ends in comparison with other ferns. A frond is generally 1-2 feet in length and is tiny with a light green color, which makes the fronds look like feathers. What is the difference between a lady fern and a New York Fern? Both are deciduous and have feathery fronds, though the New York fern has more pointed fronds than the Lady fern. It is also easier to differentiate them since Lady Ferns contain a darker green hue, and they are slightly taller than New York Ferns. What conditions do New York ferns like New York Ferns grow in partial shade to shaded areas and require soil with good drainage and organic matter. They are appropriate for woodland gardens and can survive during occasional dry periods. What does a New York fern look like when it needs water? When a New York Fern is deprived of water, its fronds may droop, or the color will reduce slightly, producing an almost dull green look. Watering is necessary to make the plant green and fresh always. How do you propagate New York ferns New York Ferns should be propagated by division, which can be carried out in spring or at the beginning of the fall season. Cut a healthy portion of the fern with a number of root systems present, divide them well, and plant them in the right growing medium.

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