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    • Photo of Onoclea sensibilis foliage by Sebright Gardens

    Photo by Sebright Gardens

    Used with permission, all rights reserved

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    Buy Onoclea sensibilis

    Also Known As

    • Sensitive Fern

    Plant type

    fern

    size

    • H: 2'-3'
    • W: 2'-10'

    planting zones

    • 4a-9b

    3/4 gallon pot-bare root | $12

    USPS Priority Mail shipping rates

    Fewer than 15 at Sebright Gardens

    3" | $14

    Ships USPS, based on weight/location

    Fewer than 20 at Secret Garden Growers

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    Onoclea sensibilis plant details

    Onoclea sensibilis is a deciduous fern with bronze and green foliage. Grows well with bright shade - shade and even moisture - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

    CHARACTERISTICS OF Onoclea sensibilis

    Plant type: fern
    Plant family: onocleaceae
    Foliage: deciduous bronze and green
    Mature size: 2 FT - 10 FT - wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
    Uses: container plant, fall color, woodland garden

    GROWING CONDITIONS for Onoclea sensibilis

    USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
    Sun exposure: bright shade - shade
    Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
    Resistant to: deer, heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
    Soil needs: average, clay, rich and well-drained

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    Nursery contributed plant descriptions

    This handsome fern is woodland groundcover from the wet woods, steamsides and springs of the eastern United States. It features bold, arching broadly-segmented leaves which create large spreading clumps up to 4' tall and as wide. In ideal conditions this lovely fern will actually spread somewhat aggressively by rhizome. So called the sensitive fern since it is very sensitive to frost and drought and both of these conditions will cause this lush fern to turn brown. This makes for a lovely mass planting in a shade garden. PSh-Sh/M-W

    By: Forestfarm

    (SENSITIVE FERN) Very attractive, deciduous fern that can reach 3-4’ high and wide. Lobed fronds are distinctive. Enjoys consistent moisture and will take boggy sites (where it can be quite vigorous); well behaved in average garden conditions. Fronds go dormant with the first frost, hence the name. Thrives in part to full shade in most soils (even heavy ones). Rabbit and deer resistant. Nice pond/creek side, or in a pot.

    By: Secret Garden Growers

    Onoclea sensibilis is a deciduous perennial fern with finely cut, upright sterile fronds of triangular leaflets and shorter fertile fronds. ‘Sensitive’ because it withers at the first frost. Ferns thrive in neutral to acidic, loose, richly organic soil. Excellent for mass plantings, rock gardens, containers, in woodlands and naturalized landscapes.

    By: Little Prince of Oregon

    A course pattern of pale green 2 foot fronds emerge from pinkish-purple buds. Fertile leaflets form panicles of maroon bead-like structures containing the spores, hence the name Bead Fern. It spreads to create a tropicalesque ground cover that is tolerant of wet sites. 16 inches tall. Minimum temperature: -30 °F

    By: Dancing Oaks Nursery

    Sometimes referred to as Bead Fern, Sensitive Fern grows spore-producing "seedstalks" that resemble clusters of beads. Onoclea sensibilis grows in full sun to medium shade in medium to moist soils. Spreads aggressively by rhizomes, making it an excellent groundcover plant for re-vegetating low, moist areas, open woodlands, and north-facing hillsides. Hardy to Zone 3-9.

    By: Prairie Nursery

    Deciduous, beadlike fertile fronds, netted, light green fronds Zone 2-9. 1'-3', Eastern US, part shade-shade, moist, well drained

    By: Keeping it Green Nursery

    Sensitive only in that it dies back with the first light frost. Otherwise quite sturdy and easy to grow, spreading slowly to form a small colony. 1 - 3 feet tall, erect and deciduous. Spreads both by spores and creeping rhizomes. Fertile fronds appear late in the season and can be used in dry arrangements. It occurs in marshes, ditches and swamps, though will also grow in average garden soil in both shaded or open areas. Native to eastern North America. in gallons

    By: Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery

    Erect graceful plume-like green sterile fronds followed by attractive, beadlike fertile fronds. Makes an excellent ground cover or mass planting display. Plant in partial sun to full shade & moist soil. Zones 2 to 10. Height: 2 to 3 feet tall. Semi- stoloniferous & Deciduous.

    By: Sebright Gardens

    Gardening facts about Onoclea sensibilis plant

    How to Grow Onoclea sensibilis

    • Sun Exposure

      • bright shade - shade

    • Water Needs

      • even moisture - regular

    • Special Situation

      • heat tolerant
      • humidity tolerant
      • verticillium wilt resistant

    • Soil Needs

      • clay
      • adaptable
      • average
      • well-drained
      • rich

    Features

    • Wildlife

      • deer resistant

    • Foliage Color

      • bronze
      • green

    • Foliage Season

      • deciduous

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