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Description
Dennstaedtia Hirsuta, commonly known as Hairy Ground Fern, is a perennial fern plant that belongs to the Dennstaedtiaceae family. This plant is native to North America, specifically the eastern United States and Canada. The Hairy Ground Fern grows well in moist, well-drained soils and is commonly found in wooded areas, along streams, and on rocky slopes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Pteridales |
| Family | Dennstaedtiaceae |
| Genus | Dennstaedtia |
Appearance
The Hairy Ground Fern has fronds that can grow up to 60 cm long and 20 cm wide. The fronds are pinnate and have a triangular shape. The leaflets have a lanceolate shape, with a hairy texture on the underside. The leaves are dark green and glossy, and they turn yellowish-brown in the fall. The Hairy Ground Fern produces spores on the underside of the leaves, which are covered by a thin membrane.
Care Guide
Water
The Hairy Ground Fern prefers moist soil, so it should be watered regularly. However, it is important not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot. The best way to water the plant is to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Fertilization
The Hairy Ground Fern does not require fertilizer, but it can benefit from a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Soil
The Hairy Ground Fern prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Sunlight
The Hairy Ground Fern prefers partial to full shade, making it an ideal plant for woodland gardens.
Hardiness Zones
The Hairy Ground Fern is hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Hairy Ground Fern is relatively pest-free, but it can be affected by fungal diseases such as rust and leaf spot. These diseases can be prevented by providing good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
Habitat
The Hairy Ground Fern is native to the eastern United States and Canada, where it grows in moist, well-drained soils in wooded areas, along streams, and on rocky slopes.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Hairy Ground Fern grow in full sun?
A: No, the Hairy Ground Fern prefers partial to full shade.
Q: How often should I water the Hairy Ground Fern?
A: The Hairy Ground Fern prefers moist soil, so it should be watered regularly. However, it is important not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Hairy Ground Fern?
A: The Hairy Ground Fern is hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 8.
Q: Does the Hairy Ground Fern require fertilizer?
A: The Hairy Ground Fern does not require fertilizer, but it can benefit from a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Related Plants
- Dennstaedtia Punctilobula
- Dennstaedtia Confluens
- Dennstaedtia Davallioides
References
- “Dennstaedtia hirsuta – (Michx.)T.Moore.” Plants For A Future, 2021, https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Dennstaedtia+hirsuta.
- “Dennstaedtia hirsuta.” Missouri Botanical Garden, 2021, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279702&isprofile=0&basic=dennstaedtia%20hirsuta.
- “Dennstaedtia hirsuta.” North Carolina State University Extension, 2021, https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/dennstaedtia-hirsuta/.
