A native fern with distinctive broad fronds. Highly sensitive to frost.

Native status: Native to eastern North America

§ Quick facts

SizeHeight 30–60 cm
LifespanPerennial
OrderPolypodiales
FamilyOnocleaceae

§ Encyclopedia

Onoclea sensibilis, the sensitive fern, also known as the bead fern, is a coarse-textured, medium to large-sized deciduous perennial fern. The name comes from its sensitivity to frost, the fronds dying quickly when first touched by it. It is sometimes treated as the only species in Onoclea, but some authors do not consider the genus monotypic.

Source: Wikipedia — Onoclea sensibilis Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Medium fern; broad pinnately-divided sterile fronds; stiff bead-like fertile fronds.

Similar species. Other Onoclea species. Bracken Fern (different shape).

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. N/A — photosynthesis

Behavior. Wetland fern named for sensitivity to frost (fronds quickly killed at first hard frost). Spreads aggressively in moist garden corners.

§ Range

Across North America

§ Habitat

Wet meadows, swamps

§ Threats

Wetland loss.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the sensitive fern is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Plant in wet shade gardens.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USDA Plants Database
  • Native Plant Trust