Hay-Scented Fern – 5/12/11

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/12/11

Observation Time: 6:55 a.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary

Common Name: Hay-scented Fern

Scientific Name: Dennstaedtia punctilobula

Comments: Hay-scented fern is very common in Sharon. It is often found growing in large colonies, forming a green carpet on the forest floor. It can be identified by its lacy, light-green fronds. It can be confused with New York fern, but hay-scented fern has triangular fronds, whereas New York fern fronds taper to tiny leaflets at the bottom.

More Information: Connecticut Botanical Society