Sensitive Ferns For Sale
The Sensitive Fern plant (Onoclea sensibilis) is native to eastern North America and eastern Asia. It forms lush colonies and has supple, bright green fronds. Growing naturally across a range of ecosystems, it is commonly found along river and stream banks, in swamps, and strewn across meadows.
This delightful fern gets its common name from its sensitivity to frost and drought. This responsive characteristic allows you to see climatic conditions within your garden. It is a deciduous fern, and after the first frost, it will begin to recede to its rhizomatous form. During this progression across autumn, the fronds provide a beautiful transition from bright green to golden yellow, adding another splash of color to the gardenscape.
Sensitive Fern Plant Details
Family: Onocleaceae
Hardiness Zones: 3–8
Light Requirement: Partial Shade - Full Shade
Water Needs: High
Height: 1.5 - 3 ft
Spread: 1–2 ft
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Bloom Time: NA
Flower Color: NA
Wildlife Value: Provides cover for amphibians and small animals
This fern will form colonies rapidly in the right environments, unraveling fertile and sterile fronds that are notably different in form. Sterile fronds unfurl pliable and lush, reaching up to 4 ft in length. Around late summer, the fertile fronds emerge and are considerably shorter than the sterile fronds. The fertile fronds emerge stiff and upright, with bead-like pinnae along the blade.
As summer progresses, the fertile fronds of the Sensitive Fern quickly turn brown. However, these brown stalks persist through winter, adding a unique texture to the landscape. The spores are released in the spring following the year they were produced.
Maintenance of Sensibilis Fern
Sensitive Fern plant is largely pest and disease-free; however, its sensitivity to drought and frost makes it higher maintenance than other ferns. It prefers soils rich in organic matter and requires part to full shade conditions. It can dominate a growing area as it is an aggressive spreader in ideal conditions. Plant this fern in an area where it has room to roam.
Characteristics
Winter persists, fertile fronds, habitat for wildlife, and a weather indicator. This lush, supple, and bright green fern will add dynamic understory texture across your garden and woodland alike. Shop for the Sensitive Fern online at TN Nursery. For 68 years, we have served the landscaping industry and homeowners with specimen plants.
Customer Reviews
The Sensitive Ferns from TN Nursery arrived with strong roots and lush greenery. They are growing quickly and provide excellent coverage in shaded areas of my yard. Wonderful quality plants!
The Sensitive Ferns I bought from TN Nursery are absolutely beautiful. Their rich green fronds have enhanced my shaded garden, creating a fresh, natural look. I will definitely order more.
TN Nursery is a reliable source for Sensitive Ferns. My order came with healthy, vibrant plants that have already enhanced my shady garden beds. I am very happy with this purchase.
The Sensitive Ferns from TN Nursery are excellent quality. They arrived lush and green, with no damage from shipping. They are now thriving beautifully in my garden, adding a soft, natural touch.
l love the Sensitive Ferns I received. Their graceful, green fronds bring woodland charm to my backyard. TN Nursery shipped them quickly, and they arrived vibrant and ready to plant.
Do sensitive ferns like sun or shade?
Sensitive Ferns grow best in partial to full shade with moist, rich soil. They thrive in woodland gardens or along shaded streams and ponds. Their lush green fronds add texture and natural beauty to shaded landscapes.
How big do sensitive ferns get?
Sensitive Ferns typically grow 2 to 3 feet tall with wide, arching fronds. Their bold, textured leaves create a lush, tropical look in shaded gardens. They spread gently to form beautiful, natural clusters over time.
Where do sensitive ferns grow?
Sensitive Ferns grow naturally in moist, shaded areas such as woodlands, stream banks, and wetlands. They thrive in rich, well-drained soil that stays consistently damp. In gardens, they flourish in shaded borders or near water features where humidity is high.
Exposure
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis) thrives in shaded to partially shaded areas, making it ideal for low-light conditions. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can handle a variety of light levels, though it does best with indirect light to protect its delicate fronds.
Height at Maturity
Under 2 Feet
Usage
Shade Border Plants
Shipped As
Bare-root
Ships
USPS
Planting Zones
3-9
How To Grow
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.
