| 1–5 | — | $18.00 ea |
|---|---|---|
| 6-11 | 10% off | $16.20 ea |
| 12-23 | 20% off | $14.40 ea |
| 24+ | 25% off | $13.50 ea |
34 in stock
Onoclea sensibilis
Choose Sensitive Fern for a damp, shaded native planting where you want it to spread and fill in. The tradeoff: it is not a tidy clump, so skip it where you need a fixed, formal edge.
| Category | Grade | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape Impact | B | It makes a strong natural mass in shade, but it is more woodland than showpiece. |
| Growth Rate | A- | It fills in quickly when moisture is steady, which is useful unless space is tight. |
| Maintenance | B | Care is simple in the right site, but spreading colonies may need 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 | C+ | It can work in small damp shade beds only if you are willing to manage its spread. |
| Screening Value | D | It softens ground-level plantings but should not be counted on for screening. |
At PGNE, we'd typically recommend Sensitive Fern for moist shade where the homeowner wants coverage, not strict control. Give it room, pair it with other natives, and do not force it into dry soil. The colonizing habit that makes it wrong for a formal bed is what makes it useful for holding damp, shaded ground.
| Botanical Name | Onoclea sensibilis |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Sensitive Fern |
| Mature Height | 3-4 ft |
| Mature Width | 3-4 ft |
| Hardiness Zones | 3a-8a |
| Spacing | 2.5-3 ft |
| Sun | Part Shade to Shade |
| Moisture | Average to moist |
| Growth Habit | Spreading, colonizing |
| Evergreen | No |
| Native | Yes (species native to New England/eastern US) |
| Best Used For | Wetland restoration • Riparian buffer plantings • Erosion control on damp shaded ground • Rain gardens • Naturalized native groundcover |
| Wetland Indicator Status | FACW (Facultative Wetland) — usually occurs in wetlands. Source: USDA/USACE National Wetland Plant List, Northcentral & Northeast region. |
Yes, it naturally forms colonies, which is useful in open shade but not in tight beds.
Yes. It is rated FACW on the USDA/USACE National Wetland Plant List for our region, and its colonizing rhizomes make it one of the better ferns for actually holding damp soil in place.
Yes, it is a good fit for damp ground, rain gardens, and pond-edge style plantings.
Yes, Sensitive Fern is native and works well in natural New England shade plantings.
Pro Growers of New England, Inc
SKU:PGNE-43009
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.
Very dedicated and professional. We are happy with the way they planted 14 trees for us. 11 green giants, 2 white pines and 1 Norway spruce.
Picked up my plants-ostrich ferns and blue ice amsonia without any problems! Wonderful, responsive owners! Will be buying from them in the future!
Showed up on time and planted it perfectly. I indicated a light we had to illuminate it and they placed it for optimal lighting. Worked fast and left a clean worksite. First rate!
Really great website, communication and installation. Very happy customer and would recommend them.
They delivered three trees: a big linden, a big poplar and a little spice bush with install on the big trees. The install guys were great and professional and fast. All the trees looked good with minimal damage.
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!
