| 1–5 | — | $24.00 ea |
|---|---|---|
| 6-11 | 10% off | $21.60 ea |
| 12-23 | 20% off | $19.20 ea |
| 24+ | 25% off | $18.00 ea |
22 in stock
Dennstaedtia punctilobula
Choose Hay-Scented Fern for tough shaded ground you want covered quickly. Its main strength is aggressive spreading; the tradeoff is that it will not behave like a neat clump fern.
| Category | Grade | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape Impact | B | It gives shaded ground a soft woodland look, but the effect is more natural than showy. |
| Growth Rate | A | This is a strong spreader and can fill open ground faster than many clump-forming ferns. |
| Maintenance | B- | It is not fussy once settled, but controlling its spread may take occasional editing. |
| Deer Resistance | A- | Deer rarely browse ferns, making this one of the more dependable choices where deer pressure is heavy. |
| Small Space Fit | D | Its spreading habit makes it a poor fit for tight beds or controlled borders. |
| Screening Value | F | This is groundcover, not a plant for blocking views or creating privacy. |
At PGNE, we'd use this where you want a colony, not a tidy specimen; give it room and avoid mixing it into small perennial beds. It is a genuinely useful plant for holding a dry shaded bank — but note it is an upland fern, so keep it out of the wet zone on buffer jobs.
| Botanical Name | Dennstaedtia punctilobula |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Hay-Scented Fern |
| Mature Height | 1.5-2 ft |
| Mature Width | 2-4 ft (colonizes further over time) |
| Hardiness Zones | 3a-7b |
| Spacing | 2-3 ft |
| Sun | Part Shade to Shade |
| Moisture | Average to moist |
| Growth Habit | Spreading, colonizing, arching fronds |
| Evergreen | No |
| Native | Yes (species native to New England/eastern US) |
| Best Used For | Erosion control on dry shaded banks • Fast native groundcover • Poor-soil woodland edges • Large naturalized areas |
| Wetland Indicator Status | UPL (Obligate Upland) — almost always occurs in non-wetlands. Despite its woodland reputation this is not a wetland plant; use it on dry upland ground. Source: USDA/USACE National Wetland Plant List, Northcentral & Northeast region. |
No, it spreads and should be planted where that is useful.
Not in the wet zone. It carries a UPL rating on the USDA/USACE National Wetland Plant List, meaning it almost always occurs in non-wetlands. Use it on the dry upland side, or choose Cinnamon, Sensitive, or American Royal Fern for wet ground.
It is light and most noticeable when the foliage is brushed or crushed.
Yes, that is one of the main reasons to use it.
Pro Growers of New England, Inc
SKU:PGNE-43005
Your grow zone
—
Enter your zip to see your USDA hardiness zone.
We use your zone to recommend plants that survive your winters, and to estimate when your order ships — we ship each plant when the weather where you live is right for it.
Bought 8-10 ft and all were barely 8 if you count the container. Trees are thin and lots of brown branches and broken branches due you thrown in box truck no wrapping or anything. Hoping they survive and thicken up quick…
I went up there today from Quincy MA to pick up two Blue Wichita Junipers and they were absolutely beautiful. Thank you, Chris and everybody from Pro Growers of New England!
I went up there today from Quincy MA to pick up two Blue Wichita Junipers and they were absolutely beautiful. Thank you, Chris and everybody from Pro Growers of New England!
The plants are beautiful and all 13 were consistent in height and width. And at a fraction of the cost of other garden centers. Having the team that delivered them do the planting was one of the best values I can think of. They did a great job from start to finish and even helped me with my watering system which they didn’t have to do!
Very nice
Guys installed for me as well
Great job
Huge selection and fast delivery. All plants arrived in great condition.
Great prices and Unbelievable selection of big and small trees, shrubs, and flowering perennials! Nicest folks to work with. And local delivery is awesome! First time purchasing from this company, , and have already told friends, neighbors and family. The owner Chris is professional, knowledgeable, and yet laid back in a most friendly way. Mags in the office will help with any details. My all time BEST garden purchase EVER!
