SafePlants

Dennstaedtia globulifera (Southern Hayscented Fern)

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions "hay scented fern is aggressive, so use it with caution," though this refers to its growth habits and not necessarily toxicity.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions hay scented fern is aggressive, so use it with caution," though this refers to its growth habits and not necessarily toxicity.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Dennstaedtia globulifera (Poir.) Hieron.
• Common Names: Southern Hayscented Fern, Beaded Cuplet Fern.
• Family: Dennstaedtiaceae
• Group: Fern
• Taxonomic Rank: Species (Accepted species)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Mexico, West Indies, and Central America.
• The distribution of Dennstaedtia punctilobula (Hay-scented fern) extends to eastern Canada and the northeastern U.S., west to southern Illinois and south to northern Alabama and Georgia.
• Found in oak openings, oak barrens, and dry-mesic southern forests.
• Dennstaedtia punctilobula is at its southern limit of distribution in the Cumberland region.

Ecological Role

• Dennstaedtia punctilobula (Hay-scented fern) is described as "aggressive" in some contexts, suggesting it can be invasive under certain conditions. It can overrun areas, such as a woodlot in Southern Vermont.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habit

• Classified as a forb/herb, meaning it is a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
• The Hay-scented fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) is described as a tall lacy fern (30-80 cm).

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The text describes how Hay-scented fern may overrun other plant life in certain instances.

Further Information

• Dave's Garden
• Discover Life: Has a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Dennstaedtia globulifera.