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.
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Recent Hay-scented Fern sightings near you
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