Eastern Hayscented Fern

Dennstaedtia punctilobula

Taxonomy

Division:
Pteridophyta | - Ferns
Family:
Dennstaedtiaceae
Genus:
Dennstaedtia
Species:
Dennstaedtia punctilobula

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
4-6 ft
Light Requirements:
Part Shade, Shade
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may
Bloom Colors:
Not Applicable

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Canada: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec

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

Chain-lined geometer moth (Cingilia catenaria), Eversmann's rustic (Actebia fennica), Olethreutes appendiceum

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
thrives in forest understory with leaf litter

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: None required

Source: npn.rngr.net