Overview

Dennstaedtia punctilobula is a garden plant in the genus Dennstaedtia, part of the Dennstaedtiaceae family. It typically grows around 0.4–1 metres tall and 0.1–0.3 metres wide.

About

It is a deciduous fern with fronds growing to 40–100 cm (rarely 130 cm) tall and 10–30 cm broad; the fronds are bipinnate, with pinnatifid pinnules about three times as long as broad. It occurs in damp or dry acidic soils in woods or open woods, from sea level up to 1,200 m altitude. The common name "Hay-scented Fern" comes from the fact that crushing it produces an aroma of fresh hay. Where the effects of herbivorous animals (such as deer) reduce the abundance of Rubus allegheniensis, Sitobolium punctilobulum, which is not browsed by deer, takes over. Plant in well-drained soil in a suitable position. Water during establishment.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sitobolium punctilobulum

About the genus

Dennstaedtia is a mostly tropical and subtropical group of ferns described as a genus in 1801. Hayscented fern, or cup ferns, are common names for some species in this genus. It includes 58 species native to the tropical Americas, Madagascar, southern and eastern Asia, Australia, New Guinea, and the Pacific Islands.

Wikipedia contributors, "Dennstaedtia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dennstaedtia

Plant details

Dennstaedtia punctilobula size, habit and characteristics

Height

0.4–1 metres

Spread

0.1–0.3 metres

Frequently asked questions