Sweet Fern

This genus consists of one species of deciduous shrub, found in scrub on poor, dry, acid soils, mainly in coastal regions of eastern N America. Comptonia peregrina is an elegant plant but is seldom seen in cultivation. The leaves are aromatic, with a fragrance more noticeable in early morning and evening. They were used by native N. Americans as a poultice for toothache and in a wash for poison-ivy rash. The herb was a popular household remedy for diarrhea in the 19th century. Comptonia is named after Henry Compton (1632-1713), Bishop of London.

Shrub with fern-like, narrowly lanceolate, regularly lobed leaves, to 12cm (5in) long, clad in rust-colored hairs. Flowers appear in summer; males catkin-like; females smaller and spherical, followed by small, shiny brown nutlets.

Common Name:	Sweet Fern
Botanical Name:	Comptonia peregrina
Genus:	Comptonia
Family:	Myricaceae
Native Location:	E USA
Cultivation:	Well-drained to dry, acid soil in sun or partial shade.
Propagation:	By seed sown when ripe; by removal of rooted suckers in spring; by layering in spring. Difficult to transplant successfully.
Harvest:	Leaves are cut in early summer and dried for use in infusions.
Height:	1-2m (3-6ft)
:Width	60cm-1.2m (2-4ft)
Hardiness:	Z2-7
Parts Used:	Leaves
Properties:	An aromatic, astringent herb that controls bleeding and discharges.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for diarrhea, vaginal discharge, dysentery, and vomiting of blood. Externally for mino hemorrhage, rashes, stings.
Culinary Uses:	Fresh or dried leaves make a pleasant herb tea.
Bibliography:	Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg 177