Skip to content
Log inStart trial

Hay-Scented Fern

Dennstaedtia Punctiloba

Design with this plant

Overview

The Hay-Scented Fern, Dennstaedtia punctiloba, is a deciduous perennial with delicate, lace-like fronds that emit a fresh-cut hay fragrance when crushed. Spreading up to 3 feet wide and with a height of 1-2 feet, it forms dense clumps. Ideal for zones 3-8, it thrives in partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soils. Perfect for naturalistic settings and as a groundcover to suppress weeds. Deer resistant.

Sun Deep Shade, Half, ShadeWater Extra in Summer, HighZones 3–8Type Fern
Hay-Scented Fern (Dennstaedtia Punctiloba) — It is an excellent choice for a woodland or naturalized garden

Culture

Sun
Deep Shade, Half, Shade
Water
Extra in Summer, High
USDA zones
3–8

Shape & size

Mature height
1.5–2 Ft.
Mature width
2–3 Ft.

Classification

Type
Fern
Family
Dennstaedtiaceae

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (69)

Hay-Scented Fern (Dennstaedtia Punctiloba) — the Hay-Scented Fern is also favored for its deer resistance
Dennstaedtia Punctiloba
Dennstaedtia Punctiloba
Dennstaedtia Punctiloba
Dennstaedtia Punctiloba
Dennstaedtia Punctiloba
Dennstaedtia Punctiloba
Dennstaedtia Punctiloba
Dennstaedtia Punctiloba
Dennstaedtia Punctiloba
Dennstaedtia Punctiloba
Dennstaedtia Punctiloba
Dennstaedtia Punctiloba
Dennstaedtia Punctiloba
Dennstaedtia Punctiloba
Dennstaedtia Punctiloba
Dennstaedtia Punctiloba
Dennstaedtia Punctiloba
Dennstaedtia Punctiloba
Dennstaedtia Punctiloba
Dennstaedtia Punctiloba

Photograph: Homer Edward Price, CC BY 2.0 · source

Related plants

Alaska Fern (Polystichum Setiferum) — This species is renowned for its lush; the Alaska Fern is low maintenance

Fern

Alaska Fern

Polystichum Setiferum

Deep ShadeUSDA 6–8
Alpine Water Fern (Blechnum Penna-Marina) — fern / ground cover for deep shade or half or shade; it is generally pest and disease-resistant

Fern

Alpine Water Fern

Blechnum Penna-Marina

Deep ShadeUSDA 7–10
Australian Tree Fern (Cyathea cooperi) — tropical accent to any shaded landscape design; cyathea cooperi thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11, image 87

Fern

Australian Tree Fern

Cyathea cooperi

HalfUSDA 9–9
Autumn Fern, Japanese Shield Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) — It is also commonly called the Japanese Shield Fern due to its robust nature and, image 32

Fern

Autumn Fern, Japanese Shield Fern

Dryopteris erythrosora

ShadeUSDA 4–10
Bird's Foot Fern (Pellaea Mucronata) — is a captivating choice for both its aesthetic appeal and durability

Fern

Bird's Foot Fern

Pellaea Mucronata

Deep ShadeUSDA 5–9
Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium Nidus) — resembling a bird's nest - hence the name; which is a key identifying feature, image 82

Fern

Bird's Nest Fern

Asplenium Nidus

HalfUSDA 10–11