3 Hay-Scented Fern Bare Root Clumps - Dennstaedtia punctilobula Shade Ground Cover

Hay-Scented Fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) is a fast-spreading, deciduous fern prized for its finely cut, lacy fronds and remarkable ability to form a dense ground cover in shady areas. When crushed or brushed, the foliage releases a pleasant hay-like fragrance, adding a sensory delight to woodland gardens. This native North American fern is an excellent choice for naturalizing under trees, stabilizing slopes, or filling bare spots in shade gardens.

Its vigorous growth habit and tolerance of dry shade make it a reliable option for challenging landscapes. The bright green fronds emerge in spring and persist through summer, turning golden-yellow in autumn before dying back for winter. Hay-Scented Fern is deer-resistant and rarely bothered by pests, making it a low-maintenance addition to any shaded border or wild garden.

Plant Features

• Fast-growing, spreading fern that forms a dense ground cover
• Fragrant hay-like scent when foliage is crushed
• Delicate, lacy fronds create fine texture in shade gardens
• Deer-resistant and low-maintenance
• Native to North America and adaptable to various soil types

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Dennstaedtia punctilobula
• Plant Type: Deciduous fern
• Sunlight: Partial to full shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil; tolerates dry shade once established
• Water Requirements: Medium; keep soil consistently moist during establishment
• Growth Habit: Spreading via rhizomes, forming colonies
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
• Mature Height: 1-3 feet
• Spacing: 12-18 inches apart for ground cover

Planting & Care

Plant bare root clumps in spring or early fall while the fern is dormant. Choose a shaded location with moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Dig a hole wide enough to accommodate the roots and set the crown at or slightly below soil level. Backfill, firm the soil gently, and water thoroughly. Keep the area consistently moist until new growth appears. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Once established, Hay-Scented Fern requires little care. Water during prolonged dry spells, especially in the first growing season. To control spread, remove unwanted runners or divide clumps every few years. Cut back old fronds in late winter to tidy the garden bed and encourage fresh spring growth.

What's Included

3 Hay-Scented Fern bare root clumps (Dennstaedtia punctilobula).