Plant · GBIF taxon 2650903
sensitive fern
Onoclea sensibilisAlso known as Bead Fern
Sensitive fern forms expansive colonies across damp meadows and rich wet woodlands, spreading through creeping underground rhizomes. Its bright yellow-green sterile fronds collapse at the very first breath of autumn frost, giving the plant its memorable common name. In late summer, specialized fertile fronds emerge as rigid, bead-like structures that turn brown and persist upright throughout the winter months.
Spore-bearingWetland NativeDeciduous Fern
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic
Predators
- Grazing insects
- Slugs
- Snails
ThreatsWetland drainage, invasive species encroachment, and extreme drought
HabitatsWetlands, stream banks, marsh edges, and damp woodlands
Life spanPerennial (rhizomes endure indefinitely)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyOnocleaceae
- SpeciesOnoclea sensibilis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Toxic to livestock and pets if consumed in quantity; safe to observe from a normal distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Contains thiaminase enzymes that destroy vitamin B1, posing a toxicity risk to horses and livestock if ingested in quantity.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by broad, lobed sterile fronds with wavy edges and stiff, bead-like spore stalks persisting into winter.
- What to do
- Safe to handle and photograph; refrain from consuming any plant parts or grazing animals nearby.
Responsible observation
- Identification: Look for broad, deeply lobed sterile fronds with distinctive wavy margins.
- Winter Spotting: Search for dark, upright fertile stalks holding bead-like spore capsules above winter snow.
- Gardening: Cultivate in wet, shady garden spots where aggressive spreading is welcome.
Look-Alike Choess / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Co-Occurring Native (c) Michael Newlon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael Newlon · cc-by
Co-Occurring Native (c) Marilyne Busque-Dubois, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Marilyne Busque-Dubois · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Tom Norton, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Tom Norton · cc-by
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.