Sensitive Fern

Easy-growing native fern with bold undivided fronds that spread steadily to colonize moist shaded areas — excellent for naturalizing along streams and in low-maintenance woodland settings. (Onoclea sensibilis)

$25.00

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Onoclea sensibilis, commonly known as the Sensitive Fern, is a vigorous, moisture-loving fern with broad, bright green fronds that add lush texture to shaded borders, rain gardens, and pond edges. Its unique bead-like fertile fronds persist into winter, offering multi-seasonal interest. Hardy, deer resistant, and easy to grow, this spreading fern thrives in consistently moist soils and naturalizes beautifully in woodland and wetland gardens.

In stock (500)

Payment & Security

Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.

Growing Information

Growing zone guide

Growing Zone Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8

Sunlight Bright light to partial shade

Type of Soil Slightly acidic to neutral

Mature Height 18 to 24 inches

Maintenance Level Moderate maintenance

Water Requirement High water needs (twice a week)

Learn more about this plant

Additional Information

Growth Rate	Fast; spreads aggressively by creeping rhizomes and can naturalize into large colonies May need containment or regular thinning in garden settings
Colorful Leaves	No
Flowering	No
Bloom Color	N/A
Ornamental Berries	N/A
Disease resistant	Yes
Cold Tolerant	Yes
Heat Tolerant	No
Drought Tolerant	No
Deer Resistant	Yes
Edible	No
Wildlife Attraction	Provides cover for amphibians, insects, and other small wildlife in moist habitats Fertile fronds provide winter habitat for insects and structure in naturalized gardens
Self-pollinating	N/A
Seasonality	Spring: fiddleheads unfurl into large, lobed sterile fronds Summer: lush green foliage; fertile bead-like fronds appear midseason Fall: foliage turns yellow, then collapses with first frost Winter: dormant; bead-like fertile fronds persist above ground, holding spores
Ideal For	– Rain gardens, pond edges, boggy areas, naturalized wetland plantings, shaded water features, woodland gardens with consistent moisture
Leaf Description	Large, bright green, leathery fronds divided into broad, lobed pinnae Fertile fronds are distinct: shorter, bead-like, and brown, persisting through winter Deciduous; sensitive fronds wither quickly with frost, giving the plant its common name
Flower Description	None; ferns reproduce by spores, not flowers
Pruning & Maintenance	Cut back fronds in late fall after frost kills foliage Remove old, tattered fronds in early spring before new fiddleheads emerge Can be cut back midseason if foliage becomes ragged; new growth will fill in
Water Needs	High water needs; thrives in consistently moist to wet soil Can tolerate shallow standing water in pond margins or rain gardens Not drought tolerant; soil must not be allowed to dry out
Light Needs	Grows well in partial shade to full sun if soil is consistently moist In shaded sites, foliage is lush and green; in sunnier spots, requires ample water to prevent scorching
Harvesting	Not typically harvested; valued as an ornamental and for naturalizing Sterile fronds may be used ornamentally in floral work; fertile bead-like fronds sometimes collected for dried arrangements
Fertilizing	Typically requires no supplemental fertilizer if grown in humus-rich soils A spring application of compost or leaf mold supports vigorous growth Avoid heavy synthetic fertilizers which can damage roots
Additional Care Tips	N/A
Pollination	Ferns reproduce by spores, not flowers; no pollination required Spores are produced on separate fertile fronds that appear in summer and persist through winter
Companion Plants	Moisture-loving perennials such as Ligularia, Astilbe, Filipendula, and Rodgersia Ferns like Osmunda regalis, Matteuccia struthiopteris, and Athyrium filix-femina Shade-tolerant wildflowers like Caltha palustris (Marsh Marigold), Iris versicolor, and Lobelia cardinalis Works well in rain gardens, wetland plantings, and naturalized boggy areas