sensitive fern
Onoclea sensibilis
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles dry to wet soil
Size3 to 4 feet tall3 to 4 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb , fern
- Bloom color
- Non-flowering
- Foliage color
- Light green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis) is a fern for shade gardens, woodland areas, and rain gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and dry to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Young fiddleheads open pale red in spring, and the fertile fronds stand upright through winter. It shelters salamanders and frogs. It sits low on the menu for deer and rabbits.
Pairs well with Wild ginger, Solomon's seal, and Sedge.
Native range
North America and Central America.