Quick answer: Eastern hay-scented fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) is native to 25 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically live plant (root system), verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Jaknouse at English Wikipedia, 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, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium |
| Soil | Moist, well-drained, somewhat sterile, acidic |
| Bloom | Non-flowering (spore-bearing) |
| Height | Up to 4 ft |
| Wildlife value | Not recorded in the wildflower.org profile |
none noted; forms large colonies naturally
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (16 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Live plant (root system) via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Eastern hay-scented fern
Where is Eastern hay-scented fern native?
Eastern hay-scented fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) is native to 25 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 Eastern hay-scented fern bloom?
Eastern hay-scented fern blooms Non-flowering (spore-bearing). Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Eastern hay-scented fern need?
Light: Part Shade, Shade. Water: Medium. Soil: Moist, well-drained, somewhat sterile, acidic. Mature height: Up to 4 ft.
Is Eastern hay-scented fern deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Eastern hay-scented fern is deer-resistant and tolerates shade.
Where can I buy real Eastern hay-scented fern seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as live plant (root system) that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Dennstaedtia punctilobula on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Eastern hay-scented fern.
- Sensitive fern Onoclea sensibilis
- Sweet-fern Comptonia peregrina
- Royal fern Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis
- Cinnamon fern Osmunda cinnamomea
- Hairy beardtongue Penstemon hirsutus
- Sweet Joe-Pye Eutrochium purpureum
Also listed under
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