Gardening Flowers Perennials Hay-Scented Fern By Viveka Neveln Viveka Neveln Instagram Viveka Neveln is the Garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades of practice and study. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for both print and digital media. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on November 19, 2018 Share Tweet Pin Email Hay-Scented Fern Overview Description Hay-scented fern is a deciduous plant with lacy, green fronds that turn soft yellow in fall and smell faintly like freshly mown hay when brushed, crushed, or bruised. A North American native, it is common in open woods and wooded banks in the eastern and midwestern United States. This aggressive perennial spreads to form colonies and is considered invasive by some gardeners in the eastern U.S. Hay-scented fern suits woodland areas, shade gardens, and cottage gardens. Or employ it in areas where dense shade and dry soil make it hard for few other plants to thrive; this fern will do just fine. BTW: It tolerates full sun as long as it gets consistent moisture. Genus Name Dennstaedtia punctilobula Common Name Hay-Scented Fern Plant Type Perennial Light Part Sun, Shade Height 1 to 3 feet Width 2 to 3 feet Foliage Color Blue/Green Special Features Fragrance, Low Maintenance Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Propagation Division Problem Solvers Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover Planting Hay-Scented Fern Hay-scented fern fills a shaded area with low-maintenance foliage after two to three years in nearly any type of soil. Avoid adding it to a perennial shade garden that contains hosta, astilbe, and other shade-loving perennials; it will quickly choke out these less aggressive plants. Hay-Scented Fern Care Hay-scented fern grows best in part to full shade and moist, organically rich soil. An adaptable plant, it also tolerates poor, rocky soil and dry soil once established. This fern spreads aggressively by rhizomes to form dense colonies. Plant hay-scented fern in early spring. It spreads quickly, so plant multiple ferns about 18 inches apart. Water plants well after planting and continue doing so weekly during the first growing season. Spread a 2-inch-thick layer of mulch around the plant base to prevent evaporation of soil moisture. At the end of the growing season or in early spring, cut back fronds to ground level. Use a sharp spade to divide this perennial anytime throughout the growing season, although early spring is best. Replant the fronds and water well. Plant Hay-Scented Fern With: Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit