Description
Comptonia peregrina is an upright, deciduous shrub (typically growing 2-4 tall) which features simple, narrow, lustrous, pinnatifid, deeply notched, olive to dark green leaves (to 4 long).
Comptonia is a monotypic genus in the family Myricaceae, order Fagales. It is native to eastern North America, from southern Quebec south to the extreme north of Georgia, and west to Minnesota.Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade.
Adaptable plant that tolerates wet conditions and wind (including sheltered seashore areas), drought and a wide range of soils (prefers sandy, acidic loams, but tolerates poor soils). Does not transplant well. Once established, however, it can spread rapidly to form colonies.A good shrub for areas with poor soils, such as along alleys, waste areas or roads. An interesting and vigorous plant for native plant gardens or naturalized areas where it can be left alone to colonize. Also a good plant for stabilizing slopes or embankments.Plant Specifications
| Common Name | sweet fern |
| Maximum Reachable Height | 2.00 to 5.00 feet |
| Flower Colour | Yellowish green |
| Bloom Time | April to May |
| Difficulty Level | easy to grow |
Planting and care
Sweet fern (Comptonia peregrina) is a native plant, one of my favorites, valued for its resinous aroma. That aroma always transports me in time back to summer days hiking in the White Mountains along sunny dirt roads lined with sweet fern when I was nine years old.
Comptonia peregrina care
Did the cheery-looking box of Mickey Mouse adhesive bandages that my friend Bill handed me actually contain adhesive bandages? No. Instead, fuzzy green buds spilled out. An illicit drug? No again. Those,buds, were sweet fern seeds, which Bill suggested planting.
| Sunlight | Full sun to part shade |
| Watering | Medium |
| Temperature | -40F |
| Fertilizer | Apply any organic fertilizer |
Comptonia peregrina special feature
A good shrub for areas with poor soils, such as along alleys, waste areas or roads. An interesting and vigorous plant for native plant gardens or naturalized areas where it can be left alone to colonize. Also a good plant for stabilizing slopes or embankments.
Comptonia peregrina uses
Ornamental Use:
- The plant is used for ornamental purpose
- Its generally kep indoor in living room and in terrac area