Named for its highly aromatic fern-like foliage, sweetfern is actually a deciduous shrub that prefers full sun and well-drained soils. As a pioneer species, sweetfern is commonly found in areas affected by a recent disturbance, such as fire or logging. And as a nitrogen fixer, sweetfern thrives on poor soils, making it very useful for erosion control and steep slopes—but this aromatic and attractive plant should not be reserved only for tough sites. It is a small (maturing to just 3’ tall) and beautiful shrub that can be incorporated into any sunny garden with well-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established.
*No advance orders, availability will be posted in April.
Named for its highly aromatic fern-like foliage, sweetfern is actually a deciduous shrub that prefers full sun and well-drained soils. As a pioneer species, sweetfern is commonly found in areas affected by a recent disturbance, such as fire or logging. And as a nitrogen fixer, sweetfern thrives on poor soils, making it very useful for erosion control and steep slopes—but this aromatic and attractive plant should not be reserved only for tough sites. It is a small (maturing to just 3’ tall) and beautiful shrub that can be incorporated into any sunny garden with well-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established.
*No advance orders, availability will be posted in April.
Height: 2-3’
Light: full sun, part shade
Soil: average, medium-dry
Establishment: Spreads slowly to form colonies
Deer Resistance: very high
Native Range: Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest
Origin: Oxford County, ME
