Other common names:
Fern Gale French names:
Comptonie voyageuse Family: Bayberry Family (Myricaceae) Distinctive features: Shrub; Fern-like leaves, aromatic when rubbed. Leaves: Alternate, Simple, Toothed; Alternate, simple. Fern-like. Aromatic when rubbed. Height:
1 m (2-3 ft) Trunk:
Stems are sometimes hairy. Fruit/Seeds:
small nutlets (edible). Habitat: Fields and Open Areas; Dry open places, sandy/rocky soil. Edible:
The nutlets are edible. Tea can be made from the leaves.
Books: Shrubs of Ontario: 87 Native/Non-native:
Native Status:
Common in certain areas.
Photographs:
119 photographs available, of which 7 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.
Range Map is at the bottom of the page
The overall plant.
Upper side of a leaf. Note the resemblance to a fern leaf, hence the name, "Sweetfern".
Underside of a leaf.
Hairy stems.
A nice tea can be made from the leaves. When making wild teas, remember that most wild teas don't get very dark when steeped. And don't boil the leaves in the water. The correct method is to bring the water to a boil, remove it from the heat, and then add the crushed leaves.
PLEASE NOTE: A coloured Province or State means this species occurs somewhere in that Province/State.
The entire Province/State is coloured, regardless of where in that Province/State it occurs.
(Range map provided courtesy of the USDA website
and is displayed here in accordance with their
Policies)
