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Onoclea sensibilis | sensitive fern


This plant is not currently available, however, propagation is planned/underway. Please sign up for the waitlist below to receive updates on availability.


This is one fabulous fern! Glaucous fronds emerge in April or May and look refreshing throughout the growing season. Fertile fronds that look a bit like brown beaded wands emerge around August and provide interest to the winter garden.

Best grown in organically rich, consistently moist soil, but this fern will grow just about anywhere.

Distinctions: Winner of an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticulture Society

Zones: 4 to 8
Family: Onocleaceae
Type: Herbaceous Fern
Height: 12 to 36 in.
Spread: 36 to 48 in.
Exposure: Part Sun to Shade
Soil: rich, moist
Bloom Time: n/a
Native Range: eastern half of the US

Special Characteristics
  • Deer-resistant
  • Juglone tolerant
image credits

@ The Old Dairy Nursery

Onoclea sensibilis (sensitive fern) spring fronds
Onoclea sensibilis (sensitive fern) in the garden
garden location coming soongarden location coming soon

view this plant in our gardens:

House: Shade Garden | 2021

seedling image

Onoclea sensibilis | sensitive fern

We are slowly creating a seedling image library to help make weeding easier.
garden location coming soongarden location coming soon