Hay Scented Fern

Hay Scented Ferns For Sale

Hay Scented Fern, Dennstaedtia punctilobula, is known for its sweet scent of freshly cut hay, which volatilizes when it is crushed or dried. The scent is particularly noticeable in late summer. Imagine drinking a tea on your deck, feeling the warm summer breeze pass by, accented by the sweet smell of these charming ferns. Add this to this list of life’s little highlights.

Here is what the plants will look like when you receive them - they do look like sticks. Look at the video to see tops - these will be big, beautiful, mature plants in the Spring.

Known for its Lime Green Foliage

Known for its bright, seemingly fluorescent, lime green foliage, the Hay scented fern grows up to 2 ft tall and 3 ft wide. It is fast-growing and will cover wide swaths of land quickly. It forms colonies of lush fronds in no time, creating a beautiful groundcover for your shaded garden or woodland.

Hay Scented Fern Plant Details

Family: Dennstaedtiaceae

Hardiness Zones: 3–8

Light Requirement: Partial Shade to Full Sun

Water Needs: Moderate

Height: 1.5 - 3 ft

Spread: 3 ft

Growth Rate: Fast

Bloom Time: NA

Flower Color: NA

Wildlife Value: Offers ground cover for wildlife

The gently scalloped pinnae of this fern’s fronds are delicate and lace-like. When in mass, these fronds create a dense groundcover that is soft and inviting. Given the elegance of its fronds, this fern makes a beautiful addition to a cut flower arrangement.

The Hay Scented Fern is deciduous. In the autumn, its fronds turn from neon green to rust brown, adding another accent color to the landscape and simultaneously encouraging you to look forward to warming months. When the fronds unravel in spring, they emerge in the most delicate and feathery coil, adding a playful tenderness to the gardenscape.

Landscape Uses and Maintenance

This fern is virtually pest and disease-free and easy to maintain. It grows best in full to part shade in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. However, it will grow across a range of soil conditions, even nutrient-poor substrates. Propagate this fern by rhizome division or sowing the spores.

Once established, Hay Scented Fern provides ample protection and cover for wildlife. Plant this fern in a shady location of your garden upwind from your favorite sitting area so you can enjoy its rich, hay-like scent.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Hay-like scent, dense ground cover, easy to maintain. The visually stunning fern, with its delightful olfactory appeal, is a must-have in your garden or woodland landscape. Shop for the Hay Scented Fern online. For 68 years, we have served the landscaping industry and homeowners with specimen plants.

Below are the same plants; these "sticks" will be the following Spring after they are planted.