Hay-Scented Fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula)
[den-STET-ee-ah punk-tih-LOBE-yew-lah]

Deciduous Perennial in the Dennstaedtiaceae Family

Dennstaedtia punctilobula, commonly known as hay-scented fern or boulder fern, is a native North American woodland fern valued for its delicate texture and distinctive scent. This medium-sized fern forms dense colonies, spreading by creeping rhizomes to create lush, carpeting groundcovers. The finely-divided, light green fronds can reach 12-24 inches tall, with finely-toothed pinnae that give the foliage a soft, airy appearance. When brushed or crushed, the fronds release a sweet, hay-like fragrance that some describe as similar to new-mown grass. Dennstaedtia punctilobula thrives in partial to full shade and moist, acidic soils, making it an excellent choice for shady gardens, wooded areas, and naturalized settings. Its aggressive spreading habit also allows it to be used effectively as a low-maintenance groundcover, filling in bare spots and helping to control erosion on slopes. With its combination of delicate looks, pleasant scent, and resilient growth, the hay-scented fern is a versatile and low-maintenance addition to woodland-inspired landscapes.

 

Plant Data

Mature Size 18 - 24 inches tall. 24 - 36 inches wide.
Sun Exposure Full Shade - Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance Medium
Zones 3a - 8b (Usually hardy to -40° F)
Tags Deciduous, Deer Resistant, Full Shade, Full Sun, Grown For Attractive Foliage, Medium, Partial Shade, Partial Sun, Perennial, Rabbit Resistant
Bloom Period Non-flowering
Flower Color Non-Flowering
Foliage Color
 

More Info from Experts

Photos of This with...

Daylily, The Rocket Narrow-spiked Ligularia,
 
Dennstaedtia punctilobula
Dennstaedtia punctilobula
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Pricing and Availability History

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Limited Availability

We try very hard to source exactly what you’d like, but sometimes growers run out of plants! While this variety is a great deal at the price shown, we know that it has limited availability. If you want the plant even if it might be more expensive, or in a different size or quantity -- after you place your order, just send us a quick note at help@northshoreplantclub.com. Then, we’ll try to get you some version of this from one of our growers. And if we can’t get it from anywhere, of course, we’ll send a refund!


Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants

Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.

Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.


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No Pricing or Availability Right Now

We order from a rotating cast of the best nurseries in the Great Lakes region. It looks like we've offered this plant in the past, but the nurseries we're working with this week don't appear to have it in stock at the moment.

Our goal is to bring as many plants together under "one roof" as possible, so we'll try hard to make it available again in the future!