Sweet Fern
Comptonia Peregrina
Overview
Sweet Fern, Comptonia peregrina, is a deciduous North American shrub, reaching 2-4 ft in height, thrives in zones 3-8. Preferring full sun to part shade, it exhibits fragrant, fern-like foliage and catkin-like flowers. Adaptable to poor, sandy soils, and is drought-resistant once established. Ideal for naturalized areas, it offers erosion control and attracts wildlife. Note: Not a true fern but part of the bayberry family.
Sun FullWater MediumZones 2–6Type Shrub
Culture
- Sun
- Full
- Water
- Medium
- USDA zones
- 2–6
Shape & size
- Mature height
- 4–11 Ft.
- Mature width
- 6–8 Ft.
Classification
- Type
- Shrub
- Family
- Myricaceae
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Photographs by 2 contributors
- Homer Edward Price, CC BY 2.0 · source
- R. A. Nonenmacher, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
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