Sensitive Fern - Onoclea sensibilis

Onoclea sensibilis, commonly called Sensitive Fern, is a deciduous fern native to Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. Some sources report it at up to four feet in height, but we have found one to two feet to be more typical in the UP, perhaps because of our tendency to sandy soils. It also does well in clay. It prefers full sun in consistently moist soil, or part shade to full shade in medium soil and does fine under shade garden conditions, perhaps with a touch of water. Under ideal conditions it spreads vigorously by rhizome, or by spores if empty soil is available.
 
Bright green foliage makes an attractive swath, and the brown fertile fronds hold above shallow snow for winter interest. Winter comes early for Sensitive Fern, as its name refers to its quick dormancy once temperatures drop to frost levels.
 
Provides cover for amphibians and ground nesting birds. Rabbit and deer resistant. Host plant for a variety of moths and other insects. Use as a groundcover for moist or shaded areas, as the matrix plant (base layer) in rain gardens, along streams or ponds, or the matrix plant in woodland gardens, including under walnuts and oaks.