sensitive fern

Plant Type

Fern

Typical Size

1-2 ft. tall
2-3 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Occasional Flooding

Inolerant of

Dry Soil, Direct Afternoon Sun

Propagation

By division

Plant Propagation Notes

Rhizomes can be divided.

Plant Planting Notes

Plant in wet, rich soil where this fern can be allowed to spread.

Plants/Diseases

Leaves may suffer in the hotter parts of the year without sufficient moisture. Called sensitive fern because it is affected by light frosts.

Leaves

Compound rhomboidal fronds, the bottom two leaflets at a distinctly different angle than the other leaflets.

Flowers

Spore bearing fertile fronds.

Fruit

Spores.

Bark

Smooth rachis.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

USDA Hardiness Zones

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Light Exposure

Part Sun/Shade, Full Shade

Soil Moisture

Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

A variety of wet habitats including marshes, swamps, river and stream banks, bottomland forests, and disturbed sites.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common throughout South Carolina.