Sensitive Fern
Thrives in Zones 3-9
Adds lush greenery to shaded areas
Excellent for low-light garden spots
Low-maintenance and hardy plant choice
Ships in
7-10 DaysSensitive Fern - Onoclea Sensibilis
The Sensitive Fern 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 (Onoclea Sensibilis)
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 (Onoclea Sensibilis)
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 of Sensitive Fern
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.
This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery
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
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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Why You Will Love This Sensitive Fern
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.
