Hay-scented Fern is an aggressive native fern that forms extensive colonies in disturbed eastern forests, often excluding other vegetation where deer browsing pressure is high (deer avoid this fern but eat competitors). Crushed fronds smell pleasantly of freshly cut hay. It provides ground cover in open woods from Nova Scotia to Georgia.
Best time to see a Hay-scented Fern
The best time to see a Hay-scented Fern is April–July, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 23,748 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Hay-scented Fern? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Hay-scented Fern sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Hay-scented Fern? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Hay-scented Fern is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love plants? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.