Most often found in a carpet of colonies, hay-scented fern grows from 1'-3' in dry or moist sites in open understory or pasture. Fronds are light green, in the form of large arching triangles 3"-5" wide with bi/tri-pinnate, irregularly cut pinnae. Hairs can be found on the rachis and stipe. Fronds display phototropism.
Aggressive spreading have made it a weed in some areas, and studies in New England have considered its dominance an obstacle to forest regeneration. Unappealing to deer, the fern continues to grow where its competitors have been eaten, and unless shade tolerant trees create a thicker canopy, it will grow unfettered.
Bruised fronds smell of hay.
(Picture from Virginia Department of Conservation)
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