Quick answer: Sweet-fern (Comptonia peregrina) is native to 21 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically live plant, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Fungus Guy, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Low water, Dry |
| Soil | Sandy, acid soils |
| Bloom | Bloom May-Aug |
| Height | Up to 5 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Larval host for Grey Hairstreak butterfly |
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Live plant via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Sweet-fern
Where is Sweet-fern native?
Sweet-fern (Comptonia peregrina) is native to 21 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Sweet-fern bloom?
Sweet-fern blooms May-Aug. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Sweet-fern need?
Light: Part Shade. Water: Low water, Dry. Soil: Sandy, acid soils. Mature height: Up to 5 ft tall.
Is Sweet-fern good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Larval host for Grey Hairstreak butterfly.
Is Sweet-fern deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Sweet-fern is deer-resistant, drought-tolerant and tolerates shade.
Where can I buy real Sweet-fern seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as live plant that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Comptonia peregrina on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Sweet-fern.
- Eastern red columbine Aquilegia canadensis
- Steeplebush Spiraea tomentosa
- Mountain laurel Kalmia latifolia
- Hairy beardtongue Penstemon hirsutus
- Northern spicebush Lindera benzoin
- Sundial lupine Lupinus perennis
Also listed under
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