Noted for its attractive, fragrant foliage, Comptonia peregrina (Sweet Fern) is a small, upright, deciduous shrub forming a mound of elongated, deeply incised, shiny olive green leaves, 4 in. long (10 cm). Reminiscent of narrow fern fronds, the foliage is very aromatic when crushed. Inconspicuous, yellowish green flowers appear in late spring and summer. They give way to greenish brown, burr-like seed capsules. A native shrub of eastern North America, this easy-to-grow shrub requires minimal care to remain healthy and looks wonderful in mixed borders or along woodland edges. Sweet Fern is also excellent for erosion control and slope stabilization, or as a ground-cover. Sweet Fern attracts butterflies and other pollinators, but is rarely browsed by deer.

• Grows up to 2-5 ft. tall (60-150 cm) and 4-8 ft. wide (120-240 cm). May spread quickly to form broad, flat-topped colonies.
• Performs best in full sun to part shade, in sandy or gravelly, acidic, moist to dry, well-drained soils. Tolerates drought, wind, salt, and a wide range of soils, including wet soils or poor soils.
• Excellent choice for stabilizing slopes or embankments, native plant gardens or naturalized areas.
• No serious pest or disease issue.
• Propagate by root cuttings. Does not transplant well.
• Native to eastern North America.