| Size | |
|---|---|
| Common Name | |
| Type | |
| Family | |
| Native? | US Native Plants |
| Native Range | Eastern North America |
| Zone | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
| Height Range (ft.) | 2.00 to 4.00 |
| Spread (ft.) | 3.00 to 6.00 |
| Bloom Time | |
| Bloom Description | Greenish, Not Showy |
| Sun | |
| Water | |
| Maintenance | |
| Suggested Use | |
| Tolerate | |
| Growth Rate |
Comptonia peregrina – Sweetfern is a native shrub with fragrant, fern-like foliage and a spreading habit. Perfect for dry, sandy, or rocky soils, it stabilizes slopes, enriches soil, and provides habitat for pollinators and wildlife. Ideal for naturalized and low-maintenance gardens.
$12.99 – $149.99
Please note: Sizes 1.5 Gallon and up can’t be shipped outside the counties of Nassau, Suffolk, Brooklyn, and Queens.
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| Size | |
|---|---|
| Common Name | |
| Type | |
| Family | |
| Native? | US Native Plants |
| Native Range | Eastern North America |
| Zone | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 |
| Height Range (ft.) | 2.00 to 4.00 |
| Spread (ft.) | 3.00 to 6.00 |
| Bloom Time | |
| Bloom Description | Greenish, Not Showy |
| Sun | |
| Water | |
| Maintenance | |
| Suggested Use | |
| Tolerate | |
| Growth Rate |
Introduce a touch of texture and fragrance to your garden with Comptonia peregrina, commonly known as Sweetfern. This native deciduous shrub features finely textured, fern-like leaves that emit a delightfully sweet scent when brushed or crushed. Sweetfern thrives in poor, sandy, or rocky soils and is highly adaptable, making it an excellent choice for challenging sites, such as slopes or dry, infertile areas. Its low-growing, spreading habit and ability to fix nitrogen enrich the soil, supporting healthy ecosystems.
Sweetfern is an excellent choice for naturalized landscapes, dry gardens, or areas with poor soils. Use it to stabilize slopes, line pathways, or as a low-maintenance groundcover in sunny areas. Pair it with other native plants like Little Bluestem or Wild Indigo for a cohesive and drought-tolerant design.
Comptonia peregrina supports pollinators by providing nectar for bees and other beneficial insects. Its nitrogen-fixing properties improve soil fertility, benefiting nearby plants. The dense growth habit also provides shelter for small wildlife, making it an eco-friendly choice for sustainable gardens.
Enhance your garden with the beauty, fragrance, and ecological benefits of Comptonia peregrina – Sweetfern. This resilient native shrub is a practical and attractive solution for challenging sites and eco-conscious landscapes.
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Sweetfern thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers dry, well-drained, acidic soils, particularly sandy or rocky types. It is highly adaptable and tolerant of poor soil conditions, drought, and wind, making it suitable for challenging sites such as slopes, dry, infertile areas, and even sheltered seaside locations.
This deciduous shrub typically grows 2 to 4 feet tall and spreads 3 to 6 feet wide, forming a mounded shape with its upright branches. It spreads by rhizomes, allowing it to form colonies over time, which is beneficial for erosion control and as a groundcover
Sweetfern produces inconspicuous, yellowish-green flowers in late spring to early summer. Male flowers appear as catkins, while female flowers are small and burr-like, leading to greenish-brown, burr-like seed capsules. However, the primary ornamental appeal of Sweetfern lies in its fragrant, fern-like foliage rather than its flowers
Yes, Sweetfern plays a crucial role in its ecosystem by serving as a host plant for various insect species, including certain moths and butterflies. Its dense growth provides habitat and food for these insects, supporting local biodiversity. Additionally, its ability to fix nitrogen enriches the soil, benefiting surrounding plants
No, Sweetfern is considered a low-maintenance plant. Once established, it requires minimal care, is drought-tolerant, and can thrive in poor soil conditions. However, it does not transplant well, so it’s important to choose its planting location carefully. Its spreading habit can be advantageous for groundcover but should be monitored to prevent unwanted spreading
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