Sweetfern - Comptonia peregrina Ephemeral the leaves turn a spectacular

the leaves turn a spectacular shiny red

from the unfurling fiddleheads to the verdant summer fronds to the spore-producing season

The foliage contains a phototoxic chemical that is known to cause rashes and irritate the gastrointestinal tract when consumed

Even after flowering

Sweetfern - Comptonia peregrina Ephemeral the leaves turn a spectacularWith leaves reminiscent of fern fronds and a sweet scent to the foliage, it's easy to see how Sweetfern got its name. However, Sweetfern is definitely not a fern. It's a shrub a low maintenance, adaptable, and lovely shrub at that! With its fine textured foliage, dense habit, and bay like fragrance, Sweetfern adds a bit of flair to any garden. Use it to control erosion, create a low screen, or colonize that tough, droughty garden area. And don't