Comptonia peregrina
Sweet Fern
General
A short, nitrogen-fixing shrub that grows in dense colonies. It is a soil stabilizer. Its foliage is noticeably aromatic, and a tea can be made with its leaves. It is the host plant of the Gray Hairstreak and a variety of moths. Sweet fern is able to tolerate drought and a variety of poor soil conditions.
Plant Description
Sweet fern is a unique, small, hardy shrub. Leaves are simple and deeply lobed, with a fern-like appearance, and have a sweet smell when crushed.
Height (ft)
2-4
Spread (ft)
4-8
Soil moisture
Somewhat dry, well drained soils
Soil types
Acidic, coarse to medium in texture
Wetland indicator
UPL
Shade tolerance
Intermediate, prefers full sun or partial shade
Bloom color
Yellow or Green, Inconspicous
Bloom period
Spring
Fall conspicuous
No
Anaerobic tolerance
None
Drought tolerance
High
Salinity tolerance
Low
Self-Pollinating?
Yes
Range
Occurs throughout the New England states south to northern Georgia, and west through Indiana and the Great Lakes states, and north through Canada.
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, an infusion of leaves taken for headaches, fevers. The dried and burned leaves used as incense for ceremonial purposes. The leaves have been used as perfume and as a remedy for poison ivy.