Yes, Sensitive Fern spreads through underground rhizomes, making it a great choice for naturalized settings.

Sensitive Fern

Onoclea sensibilis

American Beauties®

Frost-Sensitive Fronds Vanish in Winter, Then Explosively Return Each Spring
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 3-4 ft Tall and Wide
Top Pick for Mass Planting in Drought Tolerant Gardens
Moderate-Growing in Full Shade to Partial Shade

$38¹⁶

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Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This fern performs best in partial to full shade. While it can handle more sun in northern climates or very boggy areas, too much direct light in the afternoon will scorch the delicate fronds and turn them brown.
Soil: It thrives in rich, organic soil that stays consistently moist. If you have heavy clay, mix in some compost to help with drainage while retaining moisture; for sandy soil, add peat moss to prevent it from drying out too quickly.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water your Sensitive Fern twice a week to keep the soil consistently damp like a wrung out sponge. Once established, it can handle short dry spells, but inconsistent moisture usually leads to the edges of the leaves crisping up and the plant going dormant early. For the best look, never let the soil dry out completely.

Pruning Tips

Since these plants die back completely in the winter, the best time to prune is in early spring before the new fiddleheads emerge. Simply cut the dead, brown fronds from the previous year down to the ground. This "spring cleaning" allows the new growth to take center stage without being cluttered by old debris and helps prevent fungal issues.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer or a layer of rich compost in early spring as new growth starts. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this encourages tender new growth that will be immediately killed by the first frost. Think of spring feeding as giving the plant the energy it needs for its big seasonal push.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Native, Wet Soils, Groundcover, Deer-resistant, Low Maintenance
Hardiness Zone	2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
Sunlight	Partial shade, Shade
Height	3-4 ft
Width	3-4 ft
Watering Needs	High
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Spring
Foliage Color	Green
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Fern
Botanical Name	Onoclea sensibilis
Species	sensibilis
Class	Polypodiopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Sensitive Fern - Moving Moisture-Loving Lace!

The lacy Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis) is a lush, low-maintenance groundcover! This striking native Fern is known for its broad, vibrant green fronds and unique texture. Perfect for shady, moist areas, this fast-spreading perennial thrives in naturalized settings, offering a lush, woodland feel.

Its name comes from its sensitivity to frost, as the fronds wither with the first touch of cold. Despite this, its hardy underground rhizomes ensure it bounces back stronger each spring.

Key Features

Foliage: Broad, lobed green fronds
Mature Height: 3-4 feet tall and wide
Light Requirements: Partial shade to full shade
Soil: Moist to wet, rich well-drained soil
Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 4–8
Native Plant: Ideal for naturalistic and woodland gardens
Low Maintenance: Tolerates wet soil and requires minimal care

Landscaping With Sensitive Fern

The Sensitive Fern is perfect for woodland gardens, rain gardens, and moist, shady areas! Its ability to thrive in wet conditions makes it an excellent ground cover for pond edges, stream banks, and low-lying garden beds. Its bold, coarse-textured fronds create a stunning contrast with finer-leaved shade plants like hostas and astilbes.

Woodland and naturalized shade gardens
Rain Gardens
Groundcover for damp areas
Pond and stream edges
Politely spreading, easy mass plantings and drifts!

Fern Care & Maintenance

Ferns are unique plants with a curious lifecycle. Caring for Sensitive Fern is easy, making it a great choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance perennial plant.

Soil: Prefers consistently moist, rich, and well-drained soil
Water: Keep soil wet or consistently moist, especially in dry periods
Light: Partial to full shade for best growth
Spacing: Space plants 2 to 3 feet apart to allow for natural spreading
Pruning: Remove dead fronds in early spring to encourage fresh growth

Moving Moisture-Loving & Lacy Native!

Sensitive Fern is a versatile and hardy ground cover that brings lush, bold texture to shady garden areas. Whether you're filling in wet spots or creating a woodland retreat, this native fern is a reliable, attractive choice that requires little effort but delivers big impact.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How tall does Sensitive Fern grow?

Sensitive Fern typically grows 3-4 feet tall, making it an excellent medium-height ground cover.

Is it deer-resistant?

Yes, Sensitive Fern is deer-resistant, though heavy browsing may occasionally occur.

What does "Sensitive" refer to?

The name refers to the plant's sensitivity to frost, causing its fronds to die back with the first frost of fall.

Where should I plant it?

It thrives in moist, shady locations such as woodland gardens, rain gardens, or stream banks.

Does it spread?

Yes, Sensitive Fern spreads through underground rhizomes, making it a great choice for naturalized settings.

Sensitive Fern

Onoclea sensibilis