Download Comptonia_peregrina_sweetfernText

(Hannah Ramer. Brandeis University)
Sweetfern
Comptonia peregrina
Family Myriaceae
Uses
A tea can be made by brewing the dried leaves.
Description
Growth form: low shrub
Leaves: 7.5-15cm (3-6in) long, alternate, fern-like, elongated with tooth-like lobes,
light green becoming dark green, glossy above. Produces a strong aroma when
crushed.
Flowers: yellow to greenish in color, small, catkins. Flowers April through May.
Fruits: Cluster of small, non-waxy nutlets.
Habitat and Range
Dry soils in cool climates. Found from Manitoba and Nova Scotia south to Minneasota,
Illinois west to Virginia.
Season
Leaves should be harvested in the summer.
Fun Facts