These ferns started growing on their own on the north side of my house. I'm happy to have them, but it would be nice to know what they are. I couldn't get a picture to show the brown stalk that curls on the end that has come up on several of them.
Thanks.
Another picture
notgrnjean, Onoclea sensibilis - Sensitive Fern http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/1804/index.html. A nice fern but It can be pretty aggressive, so watch out!
Debbie
Thank you, rcn48. It's been around for a couple of years but spread a lot this year when it got more light after a neighbor cut a tree down. When you say aggressive, do you mean that it would be hard to remove and keep gone if it ever got to an area where I didn't want it?
Edit: Posted this before reading the DG link you gave me. Sorry. I don't think I'm going to have a problem with where it spreads. When I finally get something else picked out for the soggy North side, it will be some kind of low-light shrubby thing(s) that will grow much taller than these ferns. If these ferns shade out everything underneath them, that is a plus for me where they are growing and spreading.
After clearing a ton of vinca and ivy, pulling or digging out these ferns seems very easy even if I have to repeat the act.
I was thinking of adding a few different kinds of ferns on the soggy North side. Not sure what kind. Would these ferns crowd other ferns out? I don't want to waste money buying other ferns if this would kill them.
Thanks.
This message was edited Nov 4, 2006 11:08 AM
notgrnjean, just look for some ferns with a more upright or vase shaped form. Ostrich Fern http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/159/index.html would be perfect for the conditions you're describing and provide a nice contrast for the Sensitive Fern.
That sounds like the perfect fern for me, rcn48. I want some height in that area, and I would be happy to have it from ferns instead of some shrubs. I think it would also do well in the area where I have the Autumn ferns (other thread).
I'm considering moving some Sensible fern to the woodsy Southwest area. Not close to the Autumn ferns because Sensitive seems so spreadable. If I do that, what time of year is best? Would I just dig a big clump of dirt and move the whole clump?
Thanks Notgrnjean and Debbie,
I have the same ferns they magically appeared at the base of a rock wall in my front yard. I’ve only seen them in one other place my Dad’s cabin which is a good 3 hr drive. I was going to post in the spring when they come again and I could get a picture. I’ve had them for several years now and they haven’t spread very far yet. I just love them. I also have some small fluffy ferns growing between the cracks in the rocks that I didn’t plant either. I need to get a picture and send it in for ID. This rock wall has been in place for about 30 years it really has a life of its own.
