Dennstaedtia punctilobula (Eastern Hay Scented Fern) Unity Grown

Dennstaedtia punctilobula, commonly called hay-scented fern, is a lush native fern that thrives in moist, well-drained soil in part to full shade locations. Typically growing to a height of 1-2' tall in sprawling clumps about 2-3' wide, hay-scented fern is ideal for naturalizing in woodland areas, shade and cottage gardens, but also works well as an accent in small spaces, rock gardens, and container plantings when provided with adequate moisture. The common name of this delicate fern refers to the fragrance the fronds release when brushed or bruised, which some say is sweet and grassy like cut hay.

Hay-scented fern is native to open woods and shaded slopes throughout the eastern U.S., and is resistant to deer and rabbit foraging; Dennstaedtia punctilobula is also more resistant to drought and salt spray than many fern species once established, making it a versatile plant for the home garden, especially near brackish bodies of water. Though hay-scented fern does not offer much for pollinators, these gorgeous plants add elegant grace to shade gardens and foundation plantings, and act as food sources for a number of caterpillars and act as shelters for a wide variety of small animals like frogs and salamanders.