Sweetfern is a low, fragrant shrub of dry, acidic soils that is not actually a fern but a member of the bayberry family. Its deeply lobed, fernlike leaves emit a wonderful sweet-spicy fragrance when crushed. It fixes nitrogen and stabilizes sandy, infertile soils, and its catkins are important food for ruffed grouse.
Habitat
Dry sandy or rocky soils, pine barrens, and open disturbed areas
Diet
Catkins and seeds eaten by ruffed grouse; nitrogen fixer for soil community
How common
Common
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