Comptonia peregrina aka Sweetfern

Taxonomy

Genus Comptonia Family Myricaceae Order Fagales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Comptonia peregrina, also known as sweetfern or sweet-fern, is the sole living species within the Comptonia genus. Belonging to the Myricaceae family, this flowering plant is native to eastern North America, ranging from southern Quebec to Nova Scotia, and from the extreme north of Georgia to Minnesota. Despite its name, sweetfern is not a fern but a small deciduous shrub that typically reaches a height of 1.5m. Its slender branches are initially downy when young. The aromatic olive-green leaves, resembling ferns, grow up to 10cm long and are divided into rounded leaflets. In spring, before or as the leaves emerge, small brown male catkins up to 2.5cm long are produced. Sweetfern is a low maintenance shrub that can often be found along roadsides. It has the unique ability to fix its own nitrogen and can thrive in sheltered seaside locations. It favors sandy acidic loams that are well-drained and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. In Quebec, it is referred to as comptonie voyageuse.

Common names

Sweetfern, Fern Gale

How to care for Sweetfern

Difficulty

Sweetfern is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Sweetfern should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Sweetfern loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Sweetfern prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Sweetfern is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

Sweetfern’s native range is Eastern N. America - Nova Scotia south to Georgia and east to Minnesota and Tennessee..

More info:
Wikipedia

Report a problem