Sensitive Fern
Onoclea sensibilis
- Native to:
- Canada, China, Japan, Korea, Kuril Is., Labrador, Prince Edward I., Russia, United States
peganum (www.flickr.com)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Pteridophyta | - Ferns
- Family:
- Aspleniaceae
- Genus:
- Onoclea
- Species:
- Onoclea sensibilis
- USDA Symbol:
- ONSE
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 90 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Callopistria cordata, Florida fern moth (Callopistria floridensis), Iris Angle Shades (Phlogophora iris), sensitive borer (Papaipema inquaesita)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Moths:sensitive borer (Papaipema inquaesita)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- yellow, bronze
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, moist, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.0 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers wetland areas and can tolerate flooding
Propagation & Germination
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20°C. Seed germinates within 3 months * pour boiling water over milled sphagnum moss, sow seeds, enclose in plastic bag