Sweet fern, Meadow Fern
Comptonia peregrina

Family: Myricaceae

What it is like

A small suckering shrub. It loses its leaves during the year. It develops many stems. It grows 1.5 m high and spreads 2.4 m wide. It has feather like leaves which have lobes. The leaves are 5-10 cm long and the lobes are deep. The male and female flowers are on separate catkins. The male ones are slightly longer. They are red-brown. The female catkins enlarge as the seed ripens.

There is only one Comptonia species. The Myricaceae have nitrogen fixing bacteria (Frankia) in nodules on their roots.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in fields and woodlands. It does best in moist, well-drained soil. It should be rich in humus and slightly acid. It can grow in full sun of light shade. It suits hardiness zones 4-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Britain, Canada, Europe, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The leaves both fresh and dried are used to make tea. The leaves and tops are chopped and used as a condiment. Young fruit are eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves, leaves - tea

How it is grown

It can be grown from seed, layering or rooted suckers.

Its other names

Local names

Fern gale, Sugar fern

Synonyms

Comptonia peregrina var. asplenifolia (L.) Fernald.; and others