Home Prairie and Wetland Center
16245 S US Hwy 71
Belton, MO 64012
Tel: (816) 331-9738
Fax: (816) 331-9739

Onoclea sensibilis

Sensitive Fern

Click here for print friendly version.
Onoclea sensibilis (Sensitive Fern)

This is an interesting fern with a broad, triangular overall leaf shape and deeply cut, wavy margins that are smooth (not toothed) with the leaf stem being winged and the fronds upright to arched in habit. This fern's name comes from the fact that it typically dies back after the first frost of fall.

Additional Information:


Height
12-36 Inches

spacer

Spread
24-36 Inches

spacer


USDA Hardiness Zone 3-8

Home Owner Growing and Maintenance Tips:

Good Companions
Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides), Crested Iris (Iris cristata), Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica), Shooting Star (Dodecatheon meadia)

Characteristics & Attributes

Hydrologic Designation

FACW

Season of Interest

Late (July-frost)
Mid (May-June)

Soil Moisture

Moderate
High

Special Uses

Ground Cover

Sun Exposure

Shade

USFS MO Ecological Map