Hay Scented Ferns For Sale
Hay Scented Fern, Dennstaedtia punctilobula, is known for its sweet scent of freshly cut hay, which volatilizes when it is 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 smell 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.
Known for its Lime Green Foliage
Known for its bright, seemingly fluorescent, lime green foliage, the Hay scented 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.
Hay Scented Fern Plant Details
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. In the autumn, its fronds turn from neon green to rust brown, adding another accent color to the landscape and simultaneously encouraging 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.
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 established, Hay Scented Fern 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
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. For 68 years, we have served the landscaping industry and homeowners with specimen plants.
Below are the same plants; these "sticks" will be the following Spring after they are planted.
Customer Reviews
The Hay-Scented Ferns from TN Nursery are thriving in my landscape. They spread easily, require little care, and look stunning throughout the growing season. I appreciate the consistent quality TN Nursery provides with every order.
TN Nursery provided the healthiest Hay-Scented Ferns I’ve ever ordered online. They arrived quickly, well-protected, and ready for planting. They’ve taken off wonderfully in my shaded garden, creating a natural woodland feel. Excellent service and quality.
I am very pleased with my Hay-Scented Ferns from TN Nursery. Their delicate, feathery fronds create a soft, lush carpet in my yard. The plants were strong, well-rooted, and easy to plant. TN Nursery is my go-to for high-quality ferns.
The Hay-Scented Ferns from TN Nursery are outstanding. They are flourishing in my shady slope, preventing erosion while adding beautiful greenery. Every plant was carefully packaged and arrived in top condition. I will definitely be ordering more.
TN Nursery’s Hay-Scented Ferns exceeded my expectations. They spread quickly, provide excellent ground cover, and have a fresh, delicate appearance that makes my landscape feel more natural. They shipped well and settled into my yard with ease.
Does hay scented fern spread?
Yes, hay-scented ferns spread easily through underground rhizomes. They form lush green colonies that fill shaded areas beautifully. Their soft texture and pleasant scent make them a lovely, low-maintenance choice for natural ground cover.
Do hay scented ferns like sun or shade?
Hay-scented ferns grow best in partial to full shade but can also tolerate some sun. They thrive in moist, well-drained soil and adapt easily to different garden conditions. Their versatility makes them an excellent choice for woodland or shaded landscapes.
Do deer eat hay scented ferns?
Deer typically avoid hay-scented ferns because of their texture and fragrance. This makes them an excellent choice for deer-resistant landscaping. They thrive easily while keeping their lush green beauty untouched by wildlife.
Exposure
Hay Scented Fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) thrives in partial to full shade. It prefers a relaxed, moist environment with filtered light or dappled shade, making it ideal for woodland gardens or shaded areas with adequate moisture.
Height at Maturity
Under 2 Feet
Usage
Shade Border Plants
Shipped As
Bare-root
Ships
USPS
Planting Zones
3-8
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.
