Marsh Fern

Thelypteris palustris

Marsh Fern or Eastern Marsh Fern is found in the eastern half of the U.S. and Canada. It likes moist sunny to moderately shady locations and rarely gets over 18 inches tall.

The leaves are light green with some soft hairs on the veins. It also has a nice grassy smell when crushed. For a full description click here.

The root system is a tight tangle of rhizomes that spread slowly. They are thick enough to hold moisture during short periods of drought. It is rare that this plant will wander too far from the planting site. Just pull the escapees and plant somewhere else.

The picture above is from a shady doorway planting that only gets water during drought. It has done well for over six years now. I also mixed it with Swamp, Goldenfoot and Giant Leather ferns in a swamp planting on the eastern side of the house.

This location is normally fairly dry and gets occasional watering. Walking along the path through the ferns, Florida Elm, Myrsine, Swamp Dogwood, Dahoon Holly, Swamp Redbay, Water Hickory, Basketgrass and other wetland species is very relaxing.

The Marsh Fern Moth caterpillar may chew up some of your young leaves, but I have only seen one infestation and it ended on its own. The dense growth also provides cover for birds and other wildlife.

The young leaves boiled are also considered edible although I have not tried them yet. Please read up before eating anything I recommend. Click for more info.