Skip to content

Sensitive Fern

Onoclea Sensibilis

Design with this plant

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 3–8Type Fern
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — is a deciduous fern indigenous to swampy forests and wetlands of North America; it possesses a unique charm

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

Type
Fern
Family
Onocleaceae

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

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (94)

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) — is a deciduous fern indigenous to swampy forests and wetlands of North America
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — They persist through winter; unlike many other ferns, its fertile fronds differ from its sterile fronds, image 71
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — particularly its propensity to wither at the first hint of frost, image 38
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — or alongside water features; they persist through winter
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — fern for half or shade
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — delicate character to shade gardens; the fern has a distinctive appearance, image 56
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — They persist through winter; unlike many other ferns, its fertile fronds differ from its sterile fronds
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — the fern's vivid green fronds add a lush; or alongside water features
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — the fern's vivid green fronds add a lush
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — The fronds arise singularly from creeping; is a deciduous fern indigenous to swampy forests and wetlands of North America
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — pale green fronds that can reach lengths of 18 to 24 inches; preferring partial to full shade, it flourishes in moist
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — Preferring partial to full shade, it flourishes in moist, rich soil
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — They persist through winter
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — scientifically known as Onoclea sensibilis; this fern exhibits a unique, coarse texture with each frond reaching 18-24
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — It possesses a unique charm; non-branching rhizomes that prefer a rich
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — or alongside water features; they persist through winter, image 57
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — releasing their spores in the following spring.<br><br>Ideal for USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8; sensitive Fern, image 72
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — This fern exhibits a unique, coarse texture with each frond reaching 18-24 inches in height and spread; and, image 53
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis) is a deciduous perennial thriving in USDA Zones 4-8
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — The fern has a distinctive appearance; the fertile fronds are much smaller, non-green, and have a striking, image 64
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — prehistoric ambiance in any garden.<br><br>This species is termed "sensitive" due to its delicate nature; delicate
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — It possesses a unique charm
Sensitive Fern (Onoclea Sensibilis) — Unlike many other ferns, its fertile fronds differ from its sterile fronds; the fern's vivid green fronds add, image 69
Photographs by 16 contributors

Related plants