Sweet Fern (Comptonia peregrina asplenifolia)

Family: Myricaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Comptonia peregrina asplenifolia is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from March to April. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant). It can fix Nitrogen.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

pleasant nibble. — The young fruits are eaten as a pleasant nibble.; The aromatic leaves, fresh or dried, are used to make a palatable tea.; The leaves are also used as a seasoning.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry, sterile, sandy to rocky soils in pinelands or pine barrens, clearings, pastures or edges of woodlots from sea level to 1800 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)