Sensitive fern Onoclea sensibilis
ABOUT
O. sensibilis is a deciduous, rhizomatous fern forming extensive colonies of broad, light green, pinnate fronds to 60cm in length, the pinnae deeply lobed. Shorter, narrow fertile fronds have much reduced, blackish lobes
About this plant
NamesFamily
Onocleaceae.
Synonyms
Sensitive Fern, Bead Fern, Sympathy Fern.
Common names
Onoclea armata, Onoclea germanica, Onoclea hibernica, Onoclea interrupta, Onoclea nodulosa, Onoclea orientalis, Onoclea pentagona, Onoclea reticulata, Onoclea thelypteroides, Struthiopteris sensibilis, Struthiopteris germanica, Struthiopteris interrupta, Struthiopteris nodulosa, Struthiopteris orientalis, Struthiopteris pentagona.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Fern
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter and habitat for various wildlife, especially in wetland ecosystems.
- Soil Stabilization: Helps in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion in moist areas due to its spreading rhizomes.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds beauty to garden ponds and water features with its unique fern structure.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for naturalistic plantings.
- Tolerates Wet Soil: Thrives in wet, boggy soils where many other plants cannot survive, increasing biodiversity in these areas.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers visual interest throughout the growing season with its sensitive fronds changing from green to brown.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Onoclea sensibilis, commonly known as sensitive fern, has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Astringent: The plant has astringent qualities and has been used to help reduce bleeding and tighten tissues.
- Diuretic: There are historical records of sensitive fern being used as a diuretic to promote the excretion of urine.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The sensitive fern, when dried, can be used in floral arrangements, offering an interesting texture and green color that can be preserved well beyond its natural growing season.
- In garden design, sensitive fern can provide ground cover in shady areas, helping to suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture.
- The contrast between sensitive fern's broad leaves and delicate foliage of other plants makes it a suitable choice for creating visually diverse plant compositions in shade gardens.
- The rhizomes of the sensitive fern can be used in controlling erosion on riverbanks or slopes because they help stabilize soil.
- With its tolerance for wet conditions, sensitive fern can be planted along pond edges or in rain gardens to enhance the natural aesthetics and support local ecosystems.
- Sensitive fern's dense growth habitat can provide cover for small wildlife, offering a safe haven for frogs, toads, and beneficial insects.
- In education, the sensitive fern can be used to demonstrate the plant life cycle and reproductive strategies to students studying botany or ecology.
- Culturally, the sensitive fern can be incorporated into landscape designs that aim to reflect traditional or region-specific planting practices, especially in North American woodland gardens.
- As an ecological service, sensitive fern can be part of habitat restoration projects for areas needing native plant reintroduction to support local biodiversity.
- The fall colors of the sensitive fern's fronds, which can be yellow to bronze, add seasonal interest to gardens and naturalized areas.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sensitive Fern is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sensitive Fern is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Sensitivity: As the common name 'Sensitive Fern' suggests, Onoclea sensibilis symbolizes sensitivity due to its delicate nature and how it reacts to changing environments.
- Adaptability: Sensitive Fern can thrive in various conditions, symbolizing the ability to adapt and be resilient in the face of adversity.
- Discretion: The way Sensitive Fern can close up and protect itself, it signifies discretion and the idea of being guarded or protective of oneself.
WaterThe Sensitive Fern, also known as Onoclea sensibilis, prefers consistent moisture and should be watered deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. This typically means watering once a week, but the frequency may increase during periods of drought or high heat. When you do water, aim to use about 1 gallon per square foot of soil, ensuring you moisten the soil thoroughly but prevent standing water, which can lead to root rot. During the winter months, reduce watering to compensate for slower growth and cooler temperatures.
LightThe Sensitive Fern, Onoclea sensibilis, thrives in partial to full shade. It prefers a spot that mimics its natural woodland habitat, avoiding direct sunlight, which can scorch its delicate fronds. The best spot for this fern is an area where it can receive filtered light or a few hours of morning sun followed by shade for the rest of the day.
TemperatureThe Sensitive Fern, Onoclea sensibilis, is hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit but thrives best in an environment that maintains a temperature between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a frost-tolerant plant, which makes it suitable for gardens that experience cold winters.
PruningPruning the Sensitive Fern, Onoclea sensibilis, is mainly for aesthetic purposes or to remove dead fronds. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. Prune sparingly, as this plant does not require heavy pruning. You may remove any old fronds that have died back to keep the plant looking tidy. Pruning once a year is usually sufficient.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor sensitive fern, the best soil mix should be rich in organic matter, well-draining, and consistently moist. The ideal pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, around 5.0 to 7.0. A mix of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or sand would provide suitable conditions for growth.
RepottingSensitive fern does not frequently require repotting and can be done every 2 to 3 years. If the plant becomes root-bound or the soil appears to be depleted, it is a good indicator that repotting may be necessary.
Humidity & MistingSensitive fern thrives in high humidity conditions, ideally between 60% to 70%. Providing a humid environment will help the plant maintain its lush, green appearance.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in a bright, humid spot, not direct sun.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, keep soil moist.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleOnoclea sensibilis, commonly known as the sensitive fern, begins its life cycle as spores released from specialized fertile fronds in late summer, which germinate under ideal moisture conditions to produce a gametophyte. The gametophyte is a small, heart-shaped structure that houses both male and female reproductive organs. Fertilization occurs when water allows sperm to swim to the eggs, leading to the formation of a zygote. The zygote develops into a new fern through the juvenile stage, where it grows the characteristic large, pinnately compound leaves known as sterile fronds. These fronds are sensitive to frost, hence the plant's common name. With adequate light, moisture, and soil conditions, the plant reaches maturity and produces the distinctively different fertile fronds, completing its life cycle when these fronds release their spores to the environment.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the plant Onoclea sensibilis, commonly known as the Sensitive Fern, is through division of the root clump. This process is best carried out in the early spring as the plant emerges from dormancy. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established fern and gently separate the clump into smaller sections, each with a segment of the root system intact. These divisions should then be replanted at the same depth they were growing at originally, spaced approximately 18 inches (around 45 centimeters) apart to allow for growth and air circulation. Water the newly planted divisions well to help establish them. With its resilient nature, the Sensitive Fern should begin to grow rapidly, filling in the space and achieving a mature presence in one to two growing seasons.
