Onoclea sensibilis

Common Names

Sensitive Fern, Bead Fern, Ostrich Fern, Japanese Ostrich Fern

Summary

Onoclea sensibilis is a deciduous, rhizomatous fern native to eastern North America and eastern Asia, forming thick colonies and displaying two leaf forms on separate stalks: broad, pale green sterile fronds up to about 60 cm long and shorter green fertile fronds bearing bead-like sporangia toward the tips, turning brownish-black at maturity, with sporophylls persisting through winter and releasing green spores in spring. Prefers cool, moist shade and moist soils, though it tolerates full sun if moisture is constant, not drought-tolerant. It spreads by creeping rhizomes and spores, can form thick colonies, and is hardy in USDA zones 4-9. Practical uses include pondside planting, bog gardens, and shaded borders as ground cover; generally pest- and disease-free and deer- and rabbit-resistant. Propagation is by division in spring or by sowing spores, and maintenance includes dividing every 3-4 years and removing damaged fronds to keep vigor.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

12-48 inches

Spread

3-4 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Shade or Partial Shade; Full Sun tolerable only with consistently moist soil (dappled shade also suitable).

Soil Type

Moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained soil

Soil pH

5.0-6.5, mildly acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Does not bloom; no flowering season.

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Brown

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Spores, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, other pollinators, and birds