sensitive fern

Onoclea sensibilis

The sensitive fern is a soft, green plant that loves to grow in shady, wet places. Its leaves can feel a bit fuzzy, and they often curl up when they get dry, which is why it's called 'sensitive'!

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The sensitive fern has broad, light green fronds that are deeply lobed, almost appearing divided into leaflets. Its sterile fronds are distinctively triangular or oblong, contrasting with its darker, bead-like fertile fronds.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassPolypodiopsidaOrderPolypodialesFamilyOnocleaceaeGenusOnoclea

sensitive fern

Interesting facts

Its name comes from how quickly its fronds die with the first frost!

Its unique fertile fronds look like strings of tiny green or brown beads!

This ancient plant has grown on Earth for millions of years, since dinosaur times!

Unlike flowering plants, ferns reproduce using microscopic, dust-like spores!

Special abilities

The sensitive fern can rapidly wilt and die back with the first frost, protecting its roots from harsh winter damage.

It has unique bead-like fertile fronds that hold spores all winter, ensuring new ferns can grow in spring.

Sensitive ferns grow only in very moist soil, acting like a natural signal for damp, healthy ground.

Measurements & details

Height: 30-90 cm
Spread: 30-60 cm
Edible: No
Toxicity: None
Lifecycle: Perennial

Ecological connections

eaten by

White-tailed deer

Odocoileus virginianus

Deer sometimes browse its fronds.

depends on

Sensitive Fern Borer Moth

Papaipema pterisii

Larvae bore into its stems.

shelters

Wood frog

Rana sylvatica

Frogs hide among its dense growth.

Traits

Furry

Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.

Deciduous

Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.

Shade Tolerant

Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.

Rapid Growing

Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.

Decomposer

Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.