Description

The soft, hairy, yellowish-green fronds of Eastern hay-scented fern release a fragrance of (surprise!) hay when brushed or crushed, thus the common name. The scent is especially noticeable toward the end of the season when the fronds are turning their characteristic yellow-brown color. The fronds are as much as a foot wide and occur singly in large colonies. D. punctilobula is an effective groundcover for shady to partly sunny areas.

Best grown in moist, rich, humusy soils, but grows in almost all conditions once established. Tolerates a wide range of soils. Also tolerates a wide range of sun exposure: grows in dry shade and – with consistent moisture – full sun.  Spreads aggressively by rhizomes to form colonies. Solution plant for erosion control and soil stabilization.

Native to Ohio.

Height: 1.5-2 ft.
Spread: 2-3 ft.
Family: Dennstaedtiaceae
Bloom time: non-flowering
Sun: part shade to full shade
Water: medium
Tolerate: Rabbit, Heavy Shade
According to Rutgers University, D. punctiloba are “rarely damaged” by deer.

photo credit: Jaknouse