Comptonia peregrina

Comptonia peregrina (Sweetfern) is a unique native shrub with finely textured aromatic foliage that resembles a fern. Despite its delicate appearance, it is highly durable and thrives in dry sandy soils making it an excellent choice for naturalized areas, slopes, and low maintenance landscapes.

Height & Spread: 2 - 4 ft x 4 - 6 ft

Bloom Time: Early spring

Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade

Soil Preference: Sandy, dry to average soils; tolerates poor soils

Watering Needs: Low; drought tolerant once established

Deer Resistance: High deer resistance

Native Status

Comptonia peregrina is native to eastern North America and is commonly found in dry sandy soils, open woods, and disturbed sites.

WILDLIFE & INSECTS

Butterflies

• Serves as a host plant for the Sweetfern Underwing moth and supports other native insect species.

Birds

• Provides cover and habitat for small birds in naturalized landscapes.

Spacing & Landscape Use

Spacing Recommendations

• Space 4 - 6 ft apart to allow for spreading colonies and natural growth.

Landscape Placement

• Ideal for dry slopes, naturalized areas, and sandy sites where it can spread and stabilize soil.

Companion Plants

• Vaccinium angustifolium (Lowbush Blueberry) - Shares preference for acidic, sandy soils and forms natural colonies.
• Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Adds vertical texture and thrives in dry conditions.
• Solidago nemoralis (Gray Goldenrod) - Provides late season color in poor soils.
• Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry) - Low growing groundcover suited to sandy, dry environments.