Onoclea sensibilis Sensitive Fern

General

Sensitive fern is a common wetland fern that grows and spreads rigorously. It has attractive foliage and can grow in a wide range of light environments. The species has existed relatively unchanged for 66 million years.

Plant Description

This species has leafy, sterile fronds that senesce after the first frost and fertile fronds with no leafy material that persist throughout the winter. The bead-like pinnae of the fertile fronds are green when they first emerge and then turn brown.

Height (ft)
1-4'

Soil moisture
Medium to Wet

Soil types
Can grow in a variety of soils types, but does best in coarse to medium, humus-rich soils

Wetland indicator
FACW

Shade tolerance
Tolerant, Full sun to Full Shade

Spread
1-4'

Anaerobic tolerance
Medium

Drought tolerance
None

 

 

Range

Eastern and central United States.

Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]

Additional Information

According to BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database, the Iroquois used this fern for arthritis and infection. This plant was also cooked and eaten with butter and or salt. Also used as a poultice for deeper cuts.