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Botanical name: Onoclea sensibilis
Touch this plant and the tender leaflets close, hence the the name; this ferny gem is readily propagated by spores living in large colonies, however it is short lived in each location.
Other names: Bead Fern
| Hardiness zone | 2b |
|---|---|
| Foliage type | deciduous * |
| Plant form | upright spreading |
| Mature height | 24 inches |
| Spread | 24 inches |
| Light requirements | partial shade to shade |
| Moisture requirements | moist to wet |
| Plant origin | North American native |
* deciduous = loses leaves in winter
Sensitive Fern's serrated ferny bipinnately compound leaves remain light green in color throughout the season. Neither the flowers nor the fruit are ornamentally significant.
Sensitive Fern is an herbaceous fern with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.
This is a high maintenance plant that will require regular care and upkeep, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;
Invasive
Sensitive Fern is recommended for the following landscape applications;
Groundcover, Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens, Bog Gardens
Sensitive Fern will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years.
This plant does best in partial shade to shade. It prefers to grow in moist to wet soil, and will even tolerate some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone over the growing season to conserve soil moisture. This species is native to parts of North America, and parts of it are known to be toxic to humans and animals, so care should be exercised in planting it around children and pets. It can be propagated by division.
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