Sweet Fern

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Sweet Fern

Comptonia peregrina

Common Name(s)

Sweet Fern

Family

Myricaceae

Genus

Comptonia

Full Scientific Name

Comptonia peregrina

Author

(Linnaeus) J.M. Coulter

Native Range

NB, NS, ON, PE, QC

Introduced Range

Synonyms

Comptonia peregrina var. aspleniifolia
Myrica aspleniifolia

Additional Details

Characteristics

Growth Form: Shrub

Evergreen or Deciduous: Deciduous

Light Requirements: Partial Shade

Soil Texture: Sand

Soil pH: Acidophile

Moisture Requirements: Dry, Normal

Drought Tolerant: No

Compaction Tolerant: No

Salt Tolerant: No

Juglone (Walnut) Tolerant: No

Habitat Considerations

Ecozone(s): Boreal Shield, Atlantic Maritime, Mixedwood Plains

Natural Habitat(s): Savannah, Forest Edge, Prairie/Meadow/Field, Rocky Bluff

Design Considerations

Minimum Height: 0 cm

Maximum Height: 100 cm

Bloom Time: May - Jun

Flower Colour(s): White/Cream|Green/Brown

Showy Flowers: No

Showy Fruit/Seeds: Yes

Fruit/Seed Colour(s): Brown

Erosion Control: Yes

Larval Host: Grey Hairstreak butterfly (Strymon melinus)

Fragrant Flowers: No

Fragrant Foliage: Yes

Fall Colour(s): Yes

Bark:

Poisonous to Humans:

Thorns or Prickles:

Attracts Wildlife: Birds, Butterflies, Butterfly Larvae

Invasive Species: No

Conservation Status

Plant Watch Species:

NatureServe Level:

IUCN Red Alert Status:

Interesting Tidbits

Interesting Tidbits: Throughout its range, the grey hairstreak feeds on many families of plants. For unknown reasons the grey hairstreak is restricted to feeding on sweetfern in the northern limits of its range. (Canadian BIF) Very aromatic when the leaves are crushed, this plant was used by many Native American people to create an incense for religious ritual; it was also used for medicinal purposes.(Flora of North America) Excellent for restoring sandy slopes, restoring nitrogen and preventing erosion. (USDA PLANTS Database)

Network of Nature assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the database. While most entries are accurate, errors may occur. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information and we are not responsible for any errors in the information or for any adverse effects relating to the use of the plants or the information. If you notice a problem with the information, please let us know by sending an email so we can correct it.

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Sweet Fern

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