Sweetfern

Comptonia peregrina, Myricaceae

Zones

2–6

Layer

Shrub

Lifespan

Perennial

Growth

Moderate

Guild Roles

Ground CoverNitrogen Fixer

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (optimal)Partial Sun (acceptable)

Water

LowLow

Soil pH

4.5 – 6.5

Tolerances

Drought

Frost

Heat

Pest Resistance

Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

Stone PinePinus pinea

Nitrogen FixationNurse Plant

Eastern White PinePinus strobus

Nitrogen FixationBeneficial Insect Habitat

WintergreenGaultheria procumbens

Nitrogen FixationNutrient Accumulation

Eastern HemlockTsuga canadensis

Nitrogen FixationShade Provision

White AshFraxinus americana

Nitrogen Fixation

Kentucky Coffee TreeGymnocladus dioicus

Nitrogen Fixation

BearberryArctostaphylos uva-ursi

Nitrogen FixationWind Protection

Antagonistic Plants

European BilberryVaccinium myrtillus

Sweetfern produces allelopathic compounds that can inhibit ericaceous plants like bilberry

Uses

Functions

Nitrogen FixationWildlife Habitat

Common Questions

What zones does Sweetfern grow in?

Sweetfern grows in USDA hardiness zones 2 through 6.

Is Sweetfern a nitrogen fixer?

Yes, Sweetfern is a nitrogen fixer and can help provide nitrogen to neighboring plants in a guild or polyculture.

What are good companion plants for Sweetfern?

Good companions for Sweetfern include Stone Pine, Eastern White Pine, Wintergreen, Eastern Hemlock, White Ash.

Design guilds with Sweetfern and see companion relationships visually.

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