These are medium sized ferns with soft, feathery fronds. They spread by runners and can make a nice colony. They, like so many others, are primarily tropical, but one is native to North America, Dennstaedtia punctilobula or Hay Scented Fern. These grow in zones 3 to 8 so will be happy in most parts of the U.S. and I expect many other places as well. Unlike most of the other ferns I grow, these are partial to a more sunny spot and will tolerate only light shade. A very un-fern-like fern. Once established it will even tolerate fairly dry soil.
The name comes from the fact that when brushed against, they smell like hay. The scent comes from gland-tipped whitish hairs which cover the fern. This very adaptable fern is deciduous and turns a lovely soft yellow color in the fall.
No ferns showing outside today since we had a bit of snow last night and it is snowing again as I write. The forecast is for up to 8 inches over the next couple of days. So pretty outside, maybe I'll wander around this afternoon and take some 'conifer covered with snow' pictures.
The name comes from the fact that when brushed against, they smell like hay. The scent comes from gland-tipped whitish hairs which cover the fern. This very adaptable fern is deciduous and turns a lovely soft yellow color in the fall.
No ferns showing outside today since we had a bit of snow last night and it is snowing again as I write. The forecast is for up to 8 inches over the next couple of days. So pretty outside, maybe I'll wander around this afternoon and take some 'conifer covered with snow' pictures.
1 comment:
Great I discovered yout blog.
For me especially ferns are of most interest.
Keep writing about our secret friends and have a look at mine:
http://varenbos.blogspot.com/
However in Dutch, pictures are nice.
I hope to create one in english version soon.
Fons
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