Sweet fern

Sweet fern is a low, deciduous native shrub with finely cut leaves that release a sweet aroma when crushed. Its spreading growth can cover banks and naturalized areas, while its tolerance of sandy soils makes it useful in lean sites. ## Foliage and garden use The [North Carolina Extension Plant Toolbox](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/comptonia-peregrina/common-name/sweet-fern/) describes *Comptonia peregrina* as a 2–5-foot shrub with a 4–8-foot spread, aromatic foliage, and the ability to fix nitrogen. It prefers well-drained sandy or acidic loam in full sun to part shade, and can tolerate drought, wet sites, and wind once established. The plant’s rhizomes can form colonies, so choose a location where it has room to spread. ## Growing Plant sweet fern where its mature colony can be accommodated. It does not transplant well, so settle on the site before planting. Its spring catkins are modest; the finely divided leaves and spreading form provide most of its garden interest. ## Maintenance Use sweet fern for naturalizing, rain gardens, or slope stabilization where its spreading habit fits. Water while a new planting establishes, then monitor for unwanted expansion. [USDA Forest Service research](https://research.fs.usda.gov/feis/species-reviews/comper) also describes rhizomatous thicket formation and its long-lived garden shrub form.