Promoting the Use of Native Plant Species in the Home Landscape

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Sweet-Fern

Plant Leaf

Full Plant

Plant Berry/Flower

Latin Name: Comptonia peregrina

Flower Description:

Flowers are brown catkins that appear before the leaves unfold. A small nut is enclosed in a bur-like husk.

FamilyMyricaceae
Season BloomMay - August
HabitatA small, aromatic mound shaped shrub occurring in dense colonies. Multiple stems with loose, spreading branches. Member of the wax-myrtle or baberry family. The leaves are very aromatic when crushed. Larval host to the Grey Hairstreak butterfly. Attracts Birds and Butterflies.
Cycle
Height2-4'
Leaf DescriptionLong, narrow, olive-green leaves, the edges of which have rolled back edges and rounded, fern-like division.
Soil Type Dry
Light Source Partial Shade
LocationShoreline, Woodland