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Sensitive Fern (1 Gallon)
Sensitive Fern (1 Gallon)
$18.00
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Quantity
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.
Buy This If
- You want a native fern
- Your soil stays damp
- You can allow spreading
Skip This If
- You need a tight clump
- The site dries out
- You want winter structure
PGNE Report Card
| 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. |
Our Experience
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.
Plant Facts
| 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. |
Customers Usually Ask
Will it spread?
Yes, it naturally forms colonies, which is useful in open shade but not in tight beds.
Can I use this on a permitted wetland or buffer job?
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.
Does it handle wet soil?
Yes, it is a good fit for damp ground, rain gardens, and pond-edge style plantings.
Is it native?
Yes, Sensitive Fern is native and works well in natural New England shade plantings.
Why buy for fall color
- See the actual color before you buy it
- Foliage, berries and late bloom — all three seasons of interest
- Fall planting means roots established before winter
Pro Growers of New England, Inc
SKU:PGNE-43009
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