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Sensitive Fern

Onoclea Sensibilis

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Overview

Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis) is a deciduous perennial thriving in USDA Zones 4-8. Preferring partial to full shade, it flourishes in moist, rich soil. This fern exhibits a unique, coarse texture with each frond reaching 18-24 inches in height and spread. Known for its sensitivity to frost, the fern's vivid green fronds add a lush, delicate character to shade gardens, naturalized areas, or alongside water features.

Sun Half, ShadeWater Extra in Summer, HighZones 3–8
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis) is a deciduous perennial thriving in USDA Zones 4-8
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis) is a deciduous perennial thriving in USDA Zones 4-8Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — Known for its sensitivity to frostSensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — This fern exhibits a unique, coarse texture with each frond reaching 18-24 inches in height and spreadSensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — the fern's vivid green fronds add a lushSensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — or alongside water featuresSensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — delicate character to shade gardens+67

Culture

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

Shape & size

Mature height
3–4 Ft.
Mature width
3–4 Ft.

Classification

Family
Onocleaceae

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Photos (74)

Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — Preferring partial to full shade, it flourishes in moist, rich soil
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis) is a deciduous perennial thriving in USDA Zones 4-8
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — Known for its sensitivity to frost
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — This fern exhibits a unique, coarse texture with each frond reaching 18-24 inches in height and spread
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — the fern's vivid green fronds add a lush
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — or alongside water features
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — delicate character to shade gardens
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — scientifically known as Onoclea sensibilis
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — is a deciduous fern indigenous to swampy forests and wetlands of North America
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — best suited for moist zones of your landscape and can create a lush
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — It possesses a unique charm
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — particularly its propensity to wither at the first hint of frost
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — prehistoric ambiance in any garden.<br><br>This species is termed "sensitive" due to its delicate nature
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — non-branching rhizomes that prefer a rich
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — and damp environment.<br><br>One of the most interesting aspects of this plant is its reproductive strategy
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — The fronds arise singularly from creeping
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — The fern has a distinctive appearance
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — pale green fronds that can reach lengths of 18 to 24 inches
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — It\'s deer-resistant, which can be an added advantage in areas frequented by wildlife
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — releasing their spores in the following spring.<br><br>Ideal for USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — The fertile fronds are much smaller, non-green, and have a striking bead-like appearance
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — They persist through winter
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — Unlike many other ferns, its fertile fronds differ from its sterile fronds
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — adding a touch of elegance and lushness while also being low maintenance and adaptable

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Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia Struthiopteris) — The Ostrich Fern, Matteuccia struthiopteris, is a robust, crown-forming perennial, thriving in USDA zones 3-7

Ostrich Fern

Matteuccia Struthiopteris

Half · Zones 3–7