Family: Dennstaedtiaceae
Author: (Michx.) T.Moore
Bibliography: Index Fil.: xcvii (1857)
Year: 1857
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Dennstaedtia
Vegetable: False
Observations: E. Canada to U.S.A.
Description
The Hay-scent fern, known scientifically as Dennstaedtia punctilobula, is a captivating and widely recognized fern species within the Dennstaedtiaceae family. Its nomenclature and classification were elucidated in the publication “Index Filicum” in 1857 and officially recorded by the taxonomist T. Moore, following its initial identification by Michaux.
This fern is prominently found across eastern Canada and the United States, where it flourishes in its natural habitat. True to its common name, the Hay-scent fern is characterized by a distinctive fragrance resembling that of fresh hay, especially noticeable when the fronds are crushed. The fronds themselves are finely divided and exhibit a soft, delicate texture, contributing to the plant’s overall aesthetic appeal in gardens and natural landscapes.
Dennstaedtia punctilobula plays an essential role in the ecosystems it inhabits, providing ground cover and helping to prevent soil erosion. It typically thrives in shaded or semi-shaded woodland areas, often forming extensive colonies due to its robust rhizome system. This growth habit not only stabilizes the soil in these environments but also offers a lush, verdant carpet that can be a stunning addition to shaded garden spaces.
In cultivation, the Hay-scent fern is appreciated for its low-maintenance nature and its ability to adapt to various soil conditions, as long as they remain consistently moist. Gardeners favor this fern not only for its beauty but also for its resilience and its ability to create a serene and naturalistic atmosphere in shaded garden nooks.
Overall, Dennstaedtia punctilobula or the Hay-scent fern stands out for its olfactory and visual appeal, its ecological benefits, and its historical botanical significance. Its presence from eastern Canada to the United States marks it as a notable species within the diverse and intricate tapestry of North American flora.
Common Names
Eng: eastern hayscented fern, hay-scent fern, hay-scented fern, eastern hay-scented fern, boulder fern
Swe: höbräken
Fra: dennstaedtie à lobules ponctués, dennstaedtia à lobules ponctués, dennstaedtie ponctilobulée
En: Hay-scent fern, Eastern hayscented fern, Hay-Scented Fern, Eastern hay-scented fern, Boulder fern
Fi: Tesmasaniainen
Fr: Dennstaedtie à lobules ponctués, Dennstaedtia à lobules ponctués, Dennstaedtie ponctilobulée
No: Myskebregne
Fa: سرخس علفبو
Sv: Höbräken
Synonyms
- Dicksonia punctulobula (Kunze)
- Nephrodium punctilobulum (Michx.)
- Dicksonia pilosiuscula f. poyseri (Clute)
- Aspidium punctilobum (Willd.)
- Dicksonia pilosiuscula f. schizophylla (Clute)
- Dicksonia punctilobula f. schizophylla (Clute)
- Dicksonia punctilobula var. poyseri (Clute)
- Dicksonia punctilobula f. cristata (Clute)
- Litolobium punctilobulum (Newman)
- Dennstaedtia punctilobula f. nana ((Gilbert) Weath.)
- Dennstaedtia punctilobula var. poyseri (Clute)
- Dennstaedtia punctilobula f. cristata ((Maxon) Dole)
- Dennstaedtia punctilobula var. cristata (Maxon)
- Adectum pilosiusculum (Link)
- Dennstaedtia punctilobula f. recurvata (C.F.Reed)
- Dennstaedtia punctilobula f. schizophylla (Rugg)
- Sitobolium punctilobum (J.Sm.)
- Dennstaedtia punctiloba (J.Sm.)
- Sitobolium pilosiusculum (J.Sm.)
- Aspidium punctilobulum (Sw.)
- Dicksonia punctiloba (Hook.)
- Polypodium punctilobum (Poir.)
- Dicksonia pilosiuscula f. nana (Gilbert)
- Dicksonia pilosiuscula var. cristata (Davenp.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maine (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- Newfoundland (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Prince Edward I. (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Japan (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken May 25, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 3, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 24, 2021 by Tara Ilene Frederick (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 15, 2019 by k rain (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 23, 2017 by Mason Hoffman (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Oct 6, 2012 by EOL − Charlie Hohn (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 6, 2012 by EOL − Charlie Hohn (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 29, 2012 by EOL − Robert L Curtis (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 13, 2013 by EOL − Charlie Hohn (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 27, 2013 by EOL − Kyle Jones (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2650777)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30045598-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Dennstaedtia punctilobula (Michx.) T. Moore)
Specifications
Growth habit: Forb/herb