Hay Scented Fern - Dennstaedtia punctilobula

Hay Scented Fern is known for its sweet scent of freshly cut hay which volatilizes when the fern is either crushed or dried. The scent is particularly noticeable in late summer. Imagine drinking a tea on your deck feeling the warm summer breeze pass by accented by the sweet scent of these charming ferns. Add this to this list of life’s little highlights.

Here is what the plants will look like when you receive them - they do look like sticks. Look at the video to see tops - these will be big beautiful mature plants in the Spring.  

Below is the SAME plants these "sticks" will be the following Spring after they are planted.

Known for its bright, seemingly fluorescent, lime green foliage, this fern grows up to 2 ft tall and 3 ft wide. It is fast growing and will cover wide swaths of land quickly. It forms colonies of lush fronds in no time, creating a beautiful groundcover for your shaded garden or woodland.

Plant Details - Hay Scented Fern

Family: Dennstaedtiaceae

Hardiness Zones: 3–8

Light Requirement: Partial shade to full sun

Water Needs: Moderate

Height: 1.5 - 3 ft

Spread: 3 ft

Growth Rate: Fast

Bloom Time: NA

Flower Color: NA

Wildlife Value: Offers ground cover for wildlife

The gently scalloped pinnae of this fern’s fronds are delicate and lace-like. When in mass, these fronds create a dense groundcover that is soft and inviting. Given the elegance of its fronds, this fern makes a beautiful addition to a cut flower arrangement.

The Hay Scented Fern is deciduous and, in the autumn, its fronds turn from neon green to rust brown, adding another accent color to the landscape which simultaneously encourages you to look forward to warming months. When the fronds unravel in spring, they emerge in the most delicate and feathery coil, adding a playful tenderness to the gardenscape.

Hay Scented Fern's Landscape Uses and Maintenance

This fern is virtually pest and disease-free, and easy to maintain. It grows best in full to part shade, in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. However, it will grow across a range of soil conditions, even nutrient poor substrates. Propagate this fern by rhizome division or sowing the spores.

Once the plant is established, it provides ample protection and cover for wildlife. Plant this fern in a shady location of your garden upwind from your favorite sitting area so you can enjoy its rich hay-like scent.

Noteworthy Characteristics of the Hay Scented Fern

Hay-like scent, dense ground cover, easy to maintain The visually stunning fern with its delightful olfactory appeal is a must have in your garden or woodland landscape. Shop for the Hay Scented Fern online at TN Nursery. For 68 years, we have served the landscaping industry and homeowners with specimen plants.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Height at Maturity

Under 2 Feet

Care

Hay-scented fern flourishes in well-drained, moist soil. It’s resilient to varying soil conditions but prefers a consistently damp environment. Regular watering is essential, particularly in dry spells. Provide good air circulation around the fern to control fungal issues.

Plant Reproduction

Hay Scented Fern spreads through underground rhizomes and spores

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Fern Rhizomes

Bare root fern rhizomes are easy to plant and bring lush, woodland beauty to shaded or partially shaded areas. To begin, soak the rhizomes in water for 1–2 hours before planting to help rehydrate them. Choose a planting site with rich, well-draining soil high in organic matter. Ferns thrive in moisture-retentive soil, so amending with compost or leaf mold is ideal.

Dig a shallow hole wide enough to spread the rhizome out horizontally, and place it just below the soil surface with the growing tips (or “eyes”) facing upward. Cover lightly with soil, press gently, and water thoroughly. Keep the soil evenly moist—never dry or soggy—while the fern establishes.

Mulch with leaf litter or pine needles to conserve moisture and mimic the fern’s natural habitat. Avoid direct sunlight, as most native ferns prefer cool, shaded conditions. With patience and proper care, the rhizomes will send up new fronds and form a graceful, low-maintenance colony that returns year after year.

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