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Sweet Fern. Anne Holmes, artist<\/p><\/div>\n
Comptonia peregrine,<\/em> commonly called sweet fern, is not actually a fern but a low-growing shrub in the same plant family as wax myrtle or bayberry. The genus Comptonia<\/em> is named in honor of the Rev. Henry Compton (1632-1713), Bishop of Oxford and successful botanist. Peregrine<\/em> means having a tendency to wander, which refers to this plant\u2019s habit of spreading by rhizomes that form thickets.<\/p>\n Once established, sweet fern can spread rapidly, so give it plenty of room. This attractive plant is also named for the narrow, fern-like leaves and pleasant sweet-smelling fragrance when crushed.<\/p>\n Sweet fern tolerates many conditions including drought, wet sites and wind. It prefers sandy, acidic, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. It does not transplant well, so choose a location carefully. It is also a great choice for stabilizing slopes and embankments.<\/p>\n Hummingbirds and pollinators love the yellowish green blooms which appear now and sometimes last through summer. Sweet fern is also an important larval host for a wide variety of moths including the Io, several sphinx moth species and the Gray Hairstreak butterfly. The blooms are replaced by greenish brown fruits that support birds and small mammals.<\/p>\n Traditionally, sweet fern poultices are used for toothache or muscle strains. Dried or fresh leaves make a sweet, flavorful tea and herbalists claim it may relieve diarrhea or other stomach complications. Tossed on a camp fire, sweet fern leaves may keep mosquitoes at bay. A tea made from this plant has been said to be beneficial in treating the effects of poison ivy when applied to the affected area.<\/p>\nUpcoming Events<\/strong><\/h2>\n