The Hayscented Fern, Dennstaedtia punctilobula, is very common. It can be identified by its lacy, light-green fronds that feel very slightly sticky to the touch. It often grows in large colonies and appears to be forming a carpet. They are vigorous growers and tolerate most conditions. Hay Scented Ferns are also known as Cup ferns. When the leaves are bruised they smell like fresh mown hay, hence the name. It is an aggressive spreader and is a very popular garden fern. Landscape uses are for borders, massing, specimen and groundcover. This perennial fern grows fast and is deciduous.

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Ebony Spleenwort Fern, Asplenium platyneuron, is an evergreen fern which typically grows to 15″ tall and occurs on rocky wooded ledges, rocky slopes and mossy banks. The fronds are arching, pinnate, somewhat glossy and are dark green and sterile. The central stipe (stem) is dark purplish brown. Ebony Spleewort Ferns are also know as Spleenwort Ferns. The common name of spleenwort refers to purported medicinal value once attributed to the plant. Plant in dry, rocky, shady areas of rock gardens (will grow in rocky crevices), native plant gardens or woodland areas. The ideal planting area would be in a shaded area rich in leaf mulch. This fern is very attractive when planted with wildflowers such as Tillium, Mertensia and columbines.

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The Cinnamon Fern, Osmunda cinnamonea, occurs in moist, boggy ground along streams and on shaded ledges and grows in clumps to 2′-3′ tall, but with constant moisture can reach 5′ in height. When new fronds appear, they have a cinnamon color. The yellowish-green sterile fronds remain attractive throughout the summer and turn yellow in autumn. The common name of Cinnamon ferns is in reference to the cinnamon colored fibers found near the fronds base. Osumunda fiber used in the potting of orchids comes from the roots of these ferns. Plant them in a loamy woodland soil in some shade to mimic the natural environment. This fern is used in container plantings, rock gardens, borders, specimen plants and as ground cover. Cinnamon ferns do not have flowers or blooms. This plant tolerates flooding and will grow in wet submerged soils.

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The Christmas Fern, Polystichum acrostichoides, occurs in both dry and moist wooded slopes, moist banks and ravines. It typically grows in a fountain-like clump to 2′ tall and features leathery, lance-shaped, evergreen (green at Christmas time as the common name suggests) fronds. Stocking shape of the pinnae also suggests Christmas. Crosiers (young fiddleheads) in spring are silvery and scaled. Sori appear on the undersides of the pinnae only at the ends (last 1/3) of the fronds. Christmas ferns are asymmetrical with a fine texture and has a moderately dense crown. The evergreen fronds provide good winter interest for the landscape. This fern does not spread but the clumps increase in size over time. These plants serve as hosts for butterfly larvae.

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The Sensitive Fern, Onoclea sensibilis, is a large, somewhat coarse deciduous fern which occurs in wet woods and thickets and in moist soils along streams and springs. Sensitive Ferns can grow up to 4′ tall. It features long-stalked, deeply pinnatifid, br

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The American Maidenhair Fern, Adiantum pedatum, is a deciduous, clump-forming fern which typically grows 1. 5 to 2′ tall and is most frequently found on rich wooded slopes, ravine bottoms and damp shady woods. American Maidenhair Ferns prefer moist, shady conditions, but will grow in sunnier spots if kept moist. It features finely-textured, somewhat frilly fronds which have curved stalks and are palmately-divided (i. e. , fronds divide into finger-like projections). The Maidenhair will grow in colder areas if the plant has good air circulation. This fern is a perennial and is deciduous in colder climates. Wiry stems are reddish-brown to black. Crosiers (coiled young fiddleheads) emerge pink in spring. This is a wetlands plant that does not flower or bloom. The attractive foliage is showcased in container plantings, foundation plantings, and groundcovers.

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