Contents
Description
Claytosmunda Claytoniana Subsp. Claytoniana, commonly known as Clayton’s Sensitive Fern, is a perennial fern that belongs to the Onocleaceae family. It is native to North America, specifically to the eastern region, from Canada to the United States. The fern has a triangular shape, with fronds that can grow up to 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide. The fronds have a delicate texture and are light green in color. The fern is named after John Clayton, an 18th-century botanist who is considered the Father of Virginia Botany.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pteridophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Onocleaceae |
| Genus | Claytosmunda |
Appearance
Clayton’s Sensitive Fern has fronds that are triangular in shape and light green in color. The fronds can grow up to 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide, with a delicate texture. The fern produces spores on the underside of the fronds, which are arranged in rows. The spores are round and light brown in color. The fern grows in clumps, and the clumps can spread up to 3 feet wide.
Care Guide
Clayton’s Sensitive Fern prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. It can tolerate full shade, but it will not grow as well. The fern should be watered regularly, but not overwatered, as this can lead to root rot. Fertilizer is not required, but a slow-release, balanced fertilizer can be applied in the spring. The fern is hardy in zones 4 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Clayton’s Sensitive Fern is relatively pest-free, but it can be affected by slugs and snails. These pests can be controlled with slug bait or by handpicking. The fern can also be affected by foliar nematodes, which cause yellowing and distortion of the fronds. There is no effective treatment for foliar nematodes, and infected fronds should be removed and destroyed.
Habitat
Clayton’s Sensitive Fern grows in a variety of habitats, including wet meadows, swamps, and bogs. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate partial shade. The fern is native to North America, specifically to the eastern region, from Canada to the United States.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Clayton’s Sensitive Fern a good choice for a water garden?
A: No, Clayton’s Sensitive Fern prefers moist soil but does not grow well in standing water.
Q: Can Clayton’s Sensitive Fern be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Clayton’s Sensitive Fern can be grown in a container as long as it is kept moist and in partial shade.
Q: Does Clayton’s Sensitive Fern have any medicinal properties?
A: No, there are no known medicinal properties of Clayton’s Sensitive Fern.
Q: Can Clayton’s Sensitive Fern be propagated by spores?
A: Yes, Clayton’s Sensitive Fern can be propagated by spores. The spores should be collected from the fronds and sown in a sterile potting mix.
Related Plants
- Onoclea sensibilis (Sensitive Fern)
- Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich Fern)
- Athyrium filix-femina (Lady Fern)
References
- University of Connecticut Plant Database. (n.d.). Claytosmunda Claytoniana. Retrieved from https://hort.uconn.edu/detail.php?pid=106
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Claytosmunda Claytoniana. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c319
- Gardenia. (n.d.). Claytosmunda Claytoniana. Retrieved from https://www.gardenia.net/plant/claytosmunda-claytoniana-claytons-sensitive-fern
