



Sensitive Fern
Adds lush greenery to shaded areas
Excellent for low-light garden spots
Low-maintenance and hardy plant choice
Thrives in
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The Sensitive Fern - Onoclea sensibilis
The Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis) is native to eastern North America and as eastern Asia. They form lush colonies and have 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 through to golden yellow, adding another splash of color to the gardenscape.
Plant Details - Sensitive Fern
Family: Onocleaceae
Hardiness Zones: 3–8
Light Requirement: Partial shade to 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 both 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 in length than the sterile fronds. The fertile fronds emerge stiff and upright, with bead-like pinnae along the blade.
As summer progress, the fertile fronds of the Sensitive Fern quickly turn brown. However, these brown staffs persist through winter, which adds a unique texture to the landscape. The spores release in the spring following the year that they were produced.
Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Sensitive Fern
This fern is largely pest and disease-free, however its sensitivity to drought and frost make them 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.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Winter persisting fertile fronds, habitat for wildlife, 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.
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Height at Maturity
Under 2 Feet

Care
Sensitive Ferns thrive in moist, well-drained soil. Keep them consistently watered, especially during dry spells. Regularly remove dead fronds to maintain their appearance and prevent disease. Mulching can help keep soil moisture and manage weeds.

Plant Reproduction
Sensitive Fern spreads via underground rhizomes and sporadic spores
Choose early spring or fall when the soil is moist and cool to plant healthy bare-root ferns. You can also use dormant plants to grow year-round. When you arrive, please soak the roots in water for several hours to rehydrate them. Ferns thrive in moist and shaded areas. Dig a hole wide and deep enough to spread out the roots comfortably. Position the fern so the crown (where the roots meet the fronds) is just at or slightly below ground level. Gently backfill with soil firmly around the roots, and thoroughly water to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch for weed control and to retain moisture, ensuring the mulch does not touch the crown. Water during dry periods is used to keep soil moist but not soggy. Avoid fertilizing in the first year, as ferns prefer nutrient-rich soil over direct fertilization.
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Natural Deer Resistance:
Less likely to be eaten by deer helping to maintain a beautiful garden even in areas with wildlife.
Graceful Appearance:
Features finely textured fronds that add a delicate elegant touch to any garden space.
Shade Tolerance:
Perfect for low-light areas the Sensitive Fern thrives in shaded spots where other plants might struggle.
Versatile Uses:
Ideal for ground cover or as a backdrop in shaded garden beds providing lush greenery throughout the growing season.
Caring Tips
How do I care for my Sensitive Fern?
Each box contains detailed care instructions and information about your product. But here's the basics.
Care Tips
Sensitive Ferns thrive in moist, well-drained soil. Keep them consistently watered, especially during dry spells. Regularly remove dead fronds to maintain their appearance and prevent disease. Mulching can help keep soil moisture and manage weeds.
Light Requirements
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.
Hardy Planting Zones
3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9
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