A freely running, deciduous fern with broad, deeply divided, smooth leaves. Plants spread in ideal moist soil and stays low to the ground, usually not more than 12-18″, though heights of up to 3′ are possible. An excellent shade groundcover.
Sensitive fern has a wide native range, from Canada to Florida, and as far west as Wyoming. Plants can tolerate full sun but require vigilant watering. Typically found in meadows and fields, shores of rivers or lakes, swamps, and wetland margins. The fern is usually found in natural areas of medium to high quality. Tolerant of heavy clay soil, deep shade, and rabbits.
Provides habitat for salamanders and frogs but does not have pollinator value. Fossils of this ancient fern have been found alongside dinosaurs.