Sweet Fern, Comptonia peregrina

This low growing shrub does best in sandy soils, from well-drained dry sites to the edges of marshes. Sweet Fern (Comptonia peregrina) grows in Full sun to light shade, producing fern-like leaves that have a pleasant fragrance when crushed, hence the name. Often forms large colonies, so give this plant some room. Sweet Fern is a larval host plant for the Grey Hairstreak Butterfly.

• Sun:    Full,Partial
• Soil:    Sand,Loam
• Moisture:    Dry,Medium,Moist
• Height:    2′-5′
• Bloom Time:    Apr-Jun
• Color:    yellow,golden-brown
• Root:    Woody
• Zone:    3
• Spacing:    3′-5′