Taxonomy

Division:

Pteridophyta | - Ferns

Family:

Aspleniaceae

Genus:

Onoclea

Species:

Onoclea struthiopteris

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

8-12 ft

Light Requirements:

Part Shade, Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Colors:

Not Applicable

Native Range

United States: Alaska, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★★★ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

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:

thrives in wetland areas and along streams

Germination Information