ExplorePlants

hay-scented fern

Dennstaedtia punctilobula

The hay-scented fern is a lovely green plant that grows in shady places. When you brush against it, it smells like fresh hay, which is why it got its name!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The hay-scented fern has delicate, lacy, triangular fronds, often a bright yellowish-green. These fronds taper at both ends, creating a soft, feathery texture. It typically forms dense, sprawling patches.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassPolypodiopsidaOrderPolypodialesFamilyDennstaedtiaceaeGenusSitobolium
hay-scented fern
aromatic trait badgedeciduous trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badgerapid_growing trait badge
hay-scented fern

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Instead of seeds, hay-scented ferns make tiny spores to create brand new plants!

It can grow so densely that it shades out other plants on the forest floor!

The fronds turn a beautiful golden-brown in autumn, adding color to the woods!

This fern smells like freshly mown hay when crushed, even after it dries!

Special abilities

Ability

Fragrant Defender

Hay-scented fern can release a sweet, hay-like scent when disturbed, which might help deter herbivores.

Ability

Spore Sprinkler

Hay-scented fern has tiny spores that are spread by wind, allowing it to colonize new areas far away.

Ability

Underground Explorer

Hay-scented fern can spread widely using underground stems called rhizomes to form large colonies.

Measurements & details

Height
30-70 cm
Spread
60-100 cm
Edible
No
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't pick plants unless an adult says it's okay.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is hay-scented fern?

30-70 cm

How wide does hay-scented fern spread?

60-100 cm

Is hay-scented fern edible?

No

Is hay-scented fern toxic?

None

What is hay-scented fern's lifecycle?

Perennial

Where is hay-scented fern usually found?

Forests

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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