Sensitive Fern

Native distribution

Native to the Finger Lakes Region

Cultivation

A coarse, deer-resistant, 1-3' tall fern with prominent ""beaded"" fertile fronds.
Light: part to full sun
Moisture and Soil: to wet soil

Propagation

Spore Treatment and Storage: spread spores on moist sterilized medium in plastic container, cover with lid and wait. 3-8 months until gametophyte stage, 6-15 months to sporophyte (frond) stage

Biocultural value

The Haudenosaunee used sensitive fern to treat veneral disease, menstrual cramps, weakness after childbirth, and lactation issues. They also cooked the plant (most likely the fiddleheads) and ate it seasoned with salt, pepper, or butter. The Ojibwa prescribed a decoction of the dried, powdered rhizome to help milk flow in women.

Wildlife value

A limited number of insects feed on sensitive fern, among them the aphid Amphorophora ampullata, larvae of the sawfly Hemitaxonus dubitatus, and larvae of sensitive fern borer moth (Papaipema inquaesita). Most mammalian herbivores avoid the foliage, although deer may feed on the infertile fronds to a limited extent.

Poisonous

yes

Poisonous description

Sensitive fern's toxic leaves can cause poisoning in horses, usually when the animals ingest hay containing the plant. Affected animals become uncoordinated and develop brain lesions.

Location

Mundy Wildflower Garden, Fischer Old-growth Forest, McDaniel Meadow, Woods, and Swamp, McLean Bogs, Eames Bog, Salt Road Fen, Purvis Road Wetlands Natural Area, Ringwood Ponds, South Hill Swamp, Tarr-Young Preserve

Status

L4|S5|G5