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

64

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 to identify hay-scented fern?

The easiest way to identify hay-scented fern is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

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

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Where to spot

Take the discovery with you

Found hay-scented fern?

Snap it with Snappit to identify it, learn what makes it special, and add the discovery to your collection.

  1. 1Spot it
  2. 2Snap it
  3. 3Keep the discovery

More Plants