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PLANT BASE
Onoclea sensibilis
Sensitive fern
Height
Spread
Growth
habit
4-8
3-4'
3-4'
Form Lifecycle Hardiness zone*
Clumping
Fern
Perennial
Bead Fern, Sympathy Fern
APPEARANCE
Bloom time
Bloom color
---
Violet/ pinkish
Winter attractive spore spikes
USE FOR
Seasonal interest
ENVIRONMENT
Terminal clusters
Light
Water
Soil
Soil pH
Clay, Loam, Sand
Acidic
Soil Preference
Wet, organically-rich soil, consistent moisture
ENVIRONMENTAL TOLERANCE
Heavy shade, Clay soil, Wet soil, Erosion
HABITAT & NATIVE RANGE
Wood and thickets, stream banks
Eastern US to Texas and North Dakota
BROWSE TOLERANCE
Heavy shade, Clay soil, Wet soil, Erosion
Tolerance to browse by animals typically happens once plants are established. Young plants may still be quite susceptible.
SUGGESTED MAINTENANCE & COMMON PROBLEMS
Divide every 2-3 years, don't add thick mulch as will cause rot
COMPANION PLANTS
Tussock sedge,Soft rush,Wild Geranium,Spotted joe pye weed
COMPANION TREES & SHRUBS
NOTES
Sensitive to frost and drought, foliage depreciates with inconsistent moisture
Choke cherry,Red oak,Common elderberry,Black cherry
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