Ferns🌿 Native to the NetherlandsVery hardy — tolerates frost down to -25°C

Lemon-scented fern

Name: Lemon-scented fern (Oreopteris limbosperma)
Brand: HSMN Planten
SKU: 6a8b54645e18c5d0b30524c5

Oreopteris limbosperma

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Lemon-scented Fern (Oreopteris limbosperma) is a native fern with yellow-green, elongated fronds growing in a funnel-shaped cluster. Round spore clusters are located close to the leaf edge. Tiny yellow glandular dots are found on the underside of the leaves.

Specific care needed

Plant in a cool, acidic, and humus-rich location with high humidity. Never let the soil dry out completely and avoid using lime. A natural layer of leaf litter helps maintain moisture levels.

Year calendar

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
🍂Has autumn colour

Pruning period

✂️Best pruning period: Feb–Mar

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
✂️ Pruning period

Best pruning period

Leave dead foliage throughout winter and remove it carefully before new growth appears.

Botanical profile

Site & soil

Half shade, Shade

Soil type: Sand, Loam, Humus-rich

Moisture need: Moderately moist, Moist

pH: Acidic (<5.5), Slightly acidic (5.5–6.5)

Nutrient richness: Nutrient-poor, Moderately nutrient-rich

Humus content: Moderately humus-rich, Humus-rich

Water drainage: Well draining, Moisture-retentive

Appearance & season

Mature height: 30-90cm

Bloom: Niet van toepassing

Autumn colour: Yellow-green, yellow to brown before the fronds die back.

Properties

Salt sensitive: Yes

Edible: No

Do not consume.

Scent: Crushing the leaves releases a mild aromatic to citrus-like scent.

Creeping rhizome: No

Ecological value

The Lemon-scented Fern provides food for specialized fern-feeding caterpillars, leaf miners, and other small insects. Beetles, spiders, snails, and various soil animals live between its fronds.

Food web & Biodiversity

🐛 Caterpillars & mothsVery useful

🐝 Bees & bumblebeesLimited

🪰 HoverfliesUseful

🦋 ButterfliesUseful

🪲 Beetles & insectsVery useful

🐦 BirdsUseful

🐿️ MammalsUseful

🐞 Other animalsVery useful

This fern supports both specialized fern-feeders and animals dependent on damp forest floors. Birds and small mammals benefit from the insects and shelter provided by the leaves. While the plant does not produce nectar, it makes a significant contribution to the litter and soil food web.

Distribution in the Netherlands