Aromatic North American Herb Sweetfern
Landscaping Wildlife Gardens with an Attractive Native Shrub
Jul 15, 2009
The name refers to the aroma emitted when its leaves are crushed, and from the graceful appearance of the dissected foliage.
Native to eastern North America from Quebec and Ontario, south to northern Georgia, Sweetfern (Comptonia peregrina) is a member of the wax-myrtle or bayberry family (Myricaceae). Its distribution area now extends west to Saskatchewan and Indiana, and east to the Gaspe region of Quebec.
Sweetfern in Landscape Useful to Wildlife
This herb, frequently associated with pine stands, tends to grow on sandy, dry sites. It is often the first species to appear on burned-over areas. Sweetfern appears in coniferous forest openings or woodlot edges. Shade intolerant, it prefers well-drained, acid soil that is often gravelly.
In some areas, moose browse Sweetfern in winter and spring, while white-tailed deer browse it in winter only. The plant provides food for flickers, as well as cover and food for the ruffed grouse. Prairie chickens and sharp-tailed grouse use the plant for nesting cover. It is a valuable cover for small wild animals and birds. It is also a food plant for some moths and butterflies in the larval stage.
Foliage of Native Shrub Has Spicy Sweet Aroma
Sweetfern is a deciduous, open-branched shrub that is from one to three feet high. Its slender, reddish-brown branches can be either erect or slightly zigzag.
Leaves measure from three to six inches in length and from one-quarter to one-half inch in width. Deeply cut into many lobes, they resemble the leaves of a fern. Their dark green upper surface is somewhat shiny. An attractive aspect of the plant is that new leaves develop in light green, and then darken with age. The scent of crushed or bruised Sweetfern is described as sweet or slightly spicy.
The leaves are used for potpourri, and are often used as a tea. Many Native peoples used Comptonia peregrina in various ways. It has been used as incense during ceremonies, tonic, food seasoning, and for medicinal purposes.
Tiny Flowers and the Fruit of Aromatic Sweetfern
The flowers that appear in spring are white, tiny, and inconspicuous. Catkins that develop in clusters at the ends of branches measure slightly more than one inch. The male catkins are larger than the female ones.
Burr-like heads appear in July. Within them is a small nut that contains about four seeds and appears ripened in the fall. Each shiny, olive-brown seed measures about one-quarter inch in length.
Reproduction of this native plant is by rhizomes which spread to form thickets. It is very difficult to propagate by seed. There is a record of seeds remaining viable in the soil for seventy years. This plant is hardy to zone three.
Sweetfern is best in natural settings because of its spreading habits. If planted in a mixed garden, the new suckers have to be controlled by cutting or digging out. Its abundant spreading rhizomes make it an excellent plant to stabilize steep, sandy banks.
As Sweetfern is considered a threatened or endangered species in some areas, it's best to consult with local Natural Resources Departments regarding its status.
Reference:
Ontario Trees and Shrubs Website
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