Best For Study

Hay Scented Fern

Dennstaedtia

Dennstaedtia punctilobula ( Hay Scented Fern )
A beautiful, rhizomatous, fast spreading deciduous Fern, reaching up to 3 x 8 feet, that is native to open woods and sandy meadows in North America from Wisconsin to Newfoundland; south to Arkansas to Virginia.
The thin textured, hairy fronds, up to 52 x 12 ( rarely over 36 ) inches, are oblong in outline and bright green, turning to yellow in autumn.
It can spread invasively but is also an excellent groundcover when used over large areas such as a woodland understory.
Hardy zones 2 to 8, in partial to full shade on moist, acidic soil. Tolerates sun.
Deer resistant.

* photo taken on May 8 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.


* photos taken on May 16 2013 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on May 19 2013 in Columbia, MD

Dennstaedtia hirsuta ( Asian Hay Scented Fern )
Very similar to D. punctilobula, except that it is native to eastern Asia rather than North America.
Exact hardiness is unknown however it is likely to thrive in most temperate climate regions.

* photo taken on May 8 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.



* photos taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC