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Description
Comptonia Peregrina, also known as sweetfern, is a deciduous shrub that is native to eastern North America. It belongs to the family Myricaceae and is known for its distinctive fragrance, which is similar to that of ferns. Its leaves are narrow and resemble fern fronds, and its branches are covered in fine hairs. The shrub can grow up to six feet tall and six feet wide, making it an excellent choice for hedges or borders in gardens.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Myricaceae |
| Genus | Comptonia |
Appearance
Comptonia Peregrina has a unique appearance due to its fern-like leaves and fine hairs covering its branches. The leaves are narrow and can be up to four inches long. They are a light green color and have a sweet fragrance when crushed. The shrub produces small, inconspicuous flowers in the late spring, which are followed by small, brown fruits that resemble cones.
Care Guide
To care for Comptonia Peregrina, it is important to provide it with well-draining soil and full to partial sunlight. The shrub is hardy in zones 3-7 and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. It is also drought-tolerant once established and does not require frequent watering. Fertilization is not necessary for this shrub, but if desired, a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the early spring.
Common Pests & Diseases
Comptonia Peregrina is generally pest and disease-free but may occasionally be affected by spider mites or leaf spot. Spider mites can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil, while leaf spot can be prevented by practicing good sanitation and avoiding overhead watering.
Habitat
Comptonia Peregrina is commonly found in dry, sandy soils in open woodlands or on rocky slopes. It is also commonly found in disturbed areas such as roadsides or abandoned fields.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Comptonia Peregrina be used for medicinal purposes?
A: Yes, Comptonia Peregrina has been used for centuries by Native Americans for various medicinal purposes, including as a diuretic and astringent.
Q: Can Comptonia Peregrina be used as a culinary herb?
A: Yes, the leaves of Comptonia Peregrina can be used to flavor meats or as a tea.
Q: Is Comptonia Peregrina a good choice for a hedge?
A: Yes, Comptonia Peregrina can make an excellent hedge due to its dense growth and unique appearance.
Q: Does Comptonia Peregrina attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Comptonia Peregrina produces small flowers that are attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Related Plants
- Myrica pensylvanica
- Myrica cerifera
- Myrica gale
- Alnus incana
- Shepherdia canadensis
References
- “Comptonia Peregrina.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 16 September 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=g890
- “Comptonia Peregrina.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed 16 September 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=COPM
- “Comptonia Peregrina.” North Carolina State University Extension. Accessed 16 September 2021. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/comptonia-peregrina/
