Onoclea sensibilis – Sensitive Fern (B.CVR.DR.DRGHT.GRD.H)

Ecosystem Services:
(B)-Birds                                             (B&B)-Birds & Butterflies

(BTF)-Butterflies                             (BW)-Black Walnut Resistant

(DR)-Deer Resistant                      (DRGHT)-Drought Resistant

(EC)-Erosion Control                    (EVR)-Evergreen

(FC)-Fall Color                                 (FRG)-Fragrant

(GRD)-Groundcover                      (H)-Host plant

(HMR)-Hummingbirds                (M)-Mammals

(MTH)-Moths                                   (N)-Nectar

(NB)-Native Bees                            (NST)-Nesting Material

(OP)-Other pollinators                 (RR)-Rabbit Resistant

(SHWY)-Showy                                (SPC)-Specimen Plant

Sensitive fern is a large, native, deciduous fern in the Aspleniaceae family, that thrives in moist woodland soils. These ferns exhibit long pinnatifid, sterile fronds, which have characteristic netted veins. The fertile fronds are less than half of the length of the sterile fronds and they turn brown as the summer progresses. The common name, sensitive fern, refers to the inability of this fern to tolerate mild frost and drought.

Sensitive ferns prefer soils high in organic matter that are consistently moist. As such, they are often found in and around swamps or marshes. However, this fern can thrive in shaded, home gardens if the soil is consistently provided with access to water. Propagation occurs both via creeping rhizomes and spores.

Host plant for several insects, including the Sensitive Fern Borer (Papaipema inquaesita), and also provides shelter for salamanders and frogs.