Sensitive Fern Onoclea sensibilis

Sensitive fern is a NC native large, somewhat coarse, deciduous fern in the Aspleniaceae family, that occurs in wet woods and thickets and in moist soils along streams and springs. It can grow up to 4' tall. It features long-stalked, deeply pinnatifid, bright green, vegetative (sterile) fronds (2-4' long) with leathery, triangular leaflets (pinnae) which have distinctively netted veins. Shorter, erect, woody-like fertile fronds (to 12" tall), whose ultimate divisions are bead-like segments, typically brown up in late summer and persist throughout the remaining season and winter. Commonly called sensitive fern because the green vegetative fronds are sensitive to and suffer almost immediate damage from the first fall frost. This fern is also sensitive to drought.

It is best grown in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade. It needs consistent moisture to thrive. Although it is native to swampy and marshy areas, it grows quite well in average garden soil as long as the soil is not allowed to dry out, but it grows best in natural areas. In wet soils, which it tolerates well, it usually grows taller which makes it a good sheltering plant. The plant spreads by both creeping rhizomes and spores, and can be somewhat aggressive in optimum growing conditions. The fertile fonds of this plant look especially nice in dried arrangements. 

Seasons of Interest: 

  Leaf:  Summer                  

Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems: The foliage may depreciate as summer progresses in hot climates, particularly if soils are not kept moist.

VIDEO Created by NC State Extension's Homegrown series featuring Mark Weathington, Director of JC Raulston Arboretum.