Sensitive Fern

Sensitive 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.

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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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