Tropical Hayscented Fern: A Rare Native Worth Knowing About
If you’ve stumbled across the name tropical hayscented fern (Dennstaedtia cicutaria) while researching native plants, you might be scratching your head trying to find more information about it. Don’t worry – you’re not alone! This native fern is something of a botanical mystery, with limited documentation and a surprisingly small known range.
What Is the Tropical Hayscented Fern?
The tropical hayscented fern, scientifically known as Dennstaedtia cicutaria, is a perennial native fern that belongs to the hay-scented fern family. You might also see it listed under its synonym, Dennstaedtia rubiginosa. Like its more famous cousin, the common hay-scented fern, this species likely produces delicate, lacy fronds that add a soft, woodland texture to shaded areas.
As a member of the fern family, this plant reproduces through spores rather than flowers, which means it won’t attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. However, ferns offer their own unique benefits to garden ecosystems.
Where Does It Grow Naturally?
Here’s where things get interesting – and a bit puzzling. The tropical hayscented fern has a very limited documented native range, appearing in just two locations: Alabama and Puerto Rico. This unusual distribution pattern suggests there may be gaps in our botanical knowledge, or perhaps this species is much rarer than we realize.
The Information Gap Challenge
If you’re having trouble finding detailed growing guides or nursery sources for Dennstaedtia cicutaria, there’s a good reason for that. This species appears to be poorly documented in horticultural literature, which presents both challenges and opportunities for native plant enthusiasts:
- Limited availability through commercial sources
- Uncertain conservation status
- Unclear specific growing requirements
- Potential for contributing to botanical knowledge if you encounter it
Should You Try to Grow It?
The short answer is: it’s complicated. While this fern is native to parts of the United States and Puerto Rico, the lack of information makes it difficult to recommend for most home gardeners. Here’s what to consider:
The case for growing it: Native plants support local ecosystems, and ferns provide habitat and food sources for various wildlife, from insects to small mammals. If you can find ethically sourced plants or spores, you’d be supporting a lesser-known native species.
The case for alternatives: Given the uncertainty around this species, you might consider better-documented native ferns that can provide similar benefits with more reliable growing information.
Better-Known Native Alternatives
If you’re drawn to native ferns for your shade garden, consider these well-documented alternatives that are readily available:
- Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) – evergreen and very hardy
- Royal fern (Osmunda regalis) – dramatic height and fall color
- Lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina) – delicate texture, widely adaptable
- Common hay-scented fern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula) – from the same genus
If You Encounter This Fern
Should you be lucky enough to spot what might be Dennstaedtia cicutaria in the wild, consider yourself a botanical detective! Take photos (but don’t collect) and consider reaching out to local botanical societies or native plant groups. Your observation could contribute valuable information about this mysterious species.
Remember, the best approach with rare or poorly understood native plants is often patience and responsible sourcing. Focus on the many well-documented native ferns available while keeping an eye out for more information about this intriguing tropical hayscented fern to emerge.
