Sensitive Fern 

Despite their name, these types of Fern are surprisingly hardy. These thrive best in moist areas and can thrive in full sun when given enough moisture. Unlike other ferns, they grow in front or backyards with no need for overhead cover. The plants reach heights up to two feet tall, and their arching fronds create dramatic landscapes. Their foliage gives a rippled, entire appearance in shades of light and bright green. Not only can they thrive in full sun and wet soil, but they can withstand high temperatures and are popular throughout the humid, Southeastern United States. In cooler regions, as well as their ability to withstand periods of drought. The Fern's slender stems and entire leaves create textural backgrounds for smaller annuals and other ground covers. Fertile fronds take on dark, mahogany tones and have a bead-like appearance. Natural landscapes and similar designs feature Sensitive ferns, and the plants are valued for their ornamental features. They are sensitive to frost but not to human touch. Even though they won't curl back at the touch of a finger, they will lose some foliage when it gets cold.

The remaining foliage stays throughout the winter season to provide attractive winter interest during the cold months. Once the snow season ends, Sensitive Fern reemerge. You can find their lush growth in water gardens, irrigated areas, moist and wet soil, and other areas in gardens and yards, particularly in areas where other plants refuse to grow. Sensitive Fern's thick, green foliage is prolific and capable of holding back weeds and other growth. For this reason, they are an excellent plant for low-maintenance gardeners. An additional benefit for those who live in the suburbs and rural areas: Sensitive Fern is deer-proof. Hardly any other plants can boast that attribute.

The sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis) is a member of the wood fern (Dryopteridaceae) family.

It is a deciduous perennial native to the eastern half of the US and Canada. Plant height can range from under 6 inches to 3 feet, depending on the variety. The Fern may spread up to 4 feet. The bright green vegetative fronds with deeply netted triangular leaflets are carried on long stalks. The leathery green fronds are easily damaged by frost, hence the name sensitive Fern. Stiff brown fronds, shorter than the vegetative fronds, emerge at the end of summer and remain through the winter. Fertile bead-like segments distinguish these fronds. The spores are released in the spring. The sensitive Fern grows well in USDA Zones 4-9 when it receives partial shade and has moist, well-drained soil. The Fern prefers soils with organic matter but will tolerate clay soils. It is well suited to plantings along streams and ponds or as part of a native plant garden. The sensitive Fern also may be planted on slopes for erosion control as long as the plant receives consistent moisture. It is resistant to deer and rabbits. The Fern has no severe disease or insect problems. Reproduction is through spores and creeping rhizomes which may be divided.

The Fern has bright green or yellow fronds and grows 36 inches tall and 48 inches wide. The blades are 12-35 centimeters long. It grows best in moist areas. At maturity, this Fern grows small berries towards the base of the plant. In fall, these berries become a reddish-brown color. The sensitive Fern can grow up to 4 feet tall with bright green fronds. They grow best in rich, organic, and moist soil but can grow in garden soil if it is not allowed to dry out. This perennial Fern thrives where conditions are shady or part shady as long as there is no standing water.

Buy Sensitive Ferns online at Tn Nursery