Dennstaedtia punctiloba

Sizes available: 2 quart

Basics: zones 4-8, 18-24" x 30", sun to shade, medium moisture requirements, but is as adaptable as a comfy, old shoe. Less than ideal conditions may slow it down a bit. 

Common names: Hay-scented Fern

Synonyms: Sitobolium punctilobulum

Family: Dennstaedtiaceae

Origin/Distribution: Georgia, Alabama, and Arkansas north to southern Newfoundland, southwest Quebec, Michigan, southern Illinois and Missouri. This plant is native to Maine.

Habitat: found in shady glades, moist slopes, rocky open woodlands. 

More: If you need a ground cover under a pine tree, try this. It's probably the only thing that will grow there. This is an aggressive and speedy spreader and will make a beautiful carpet of light green, lacy fronds that is pretty much impervious to anything else. This fern also does well in sun and is rabbit and deer resistant. 

Why grow ferns besides your admiration for a plant that has been present on Earth for over 360 billion years? Ferns support wildlife by creating protective cover and shady, moist micro-habitats, in particular for small mammals and invertebrates. The fuzzy covering on emerging croziers is used by birds for nesting material. Ferns help prevent erosion and filter run-off. For the gardener they offer the gifts of graceful architecture and low-maintenance textural beauty.

Nursery: Van Berkum

Image credits: Wikimedia Commons