Polk County’s Most Wanted – Sweetfern
Have you seen Sweetfern?
In a joint effort to expand the knowledge and understanding of the flora and fauna of Polk County, Conserving Carolina and botanist David Campbell need your help in locating this month’s “Polk County’s Most Wanted—Plant,” one of our more interesting shrubs – Sweetfern (Comptonia peregrina).
Despite what it’s common name suggests, Sweetfern is not a true fern at all, but is a member of the Wax Myrtle family (Myricaceae). A rhizomatous shrub that may attain heights of almost five feet (but commonly shorter), Sweetfern has alternate to sub-opposite leaves that are very aromatic when crushed or bruised. Leaves are dark green, long, and narrow with lobed indentations that give the plant a somewhat fern-like appearance. In our region, flowering typically occurs in late March to mid-April, with the male inflorescence forming catkins that reach lengths of over one inch at the terminal end of its branches. Female flowers are much smaller, forming their own rounded catkins with reddish brown bracts. Prickly, olive-brown, burr-like fruits mature in late summer.
Sweetfern ranges from Georgia northward into eastern Canada in a variety of dry habitats that are often subject to periodic fire. In North Carolina, it is found in fairly dry to xeric soils at low to middle elevations, usually co-existing with various species of Pines. Sweetfern may form large colonies that are visible at a distance. Another interesting feature of this species is its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, thereby allowing it to thrive in relatively nutrient-poor soils.
Sweetfern is more often encountered in the western portions of our state, but may also be found on dry ridges in the Piedmont and in some sites in the Sandhills region. Within Polk County, Sweetfern has been documented from the area of Wildcat Spur, in the northwestern portion of the county. Other nearby sites may be likely and residents are encouraged to keep a lookout for it there.
If you think that you have seen Sweetfern in Polk County, please send photos, questions, or comments to Pam Torlina at Conserving Carolina by phone at (828)697-5777, ext. 300 or email, [email protected].