sensitive fern

American  

noun

1. a common, widely distributed fern, Onoclea sensibilis, having large, triangular leaves and beadlike spikes that contain the spores.

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Etymology

Origin of sensitive fern

An Americanism dating back to 1805–15; so called from the sensitivity of its foliage to frost

Example Sentences

Several species grow in our woods, including the ubiquitous sensitive fern, the unusual Goldie’s fern and the finely textured lady fern with its attractive reddish midstem.

From New York Times • May 24, 2012

An intermediate form between the fertile and sterile fronds is sometimes found, as in the sensitive fern.

From The Fern Lover's Companion A Guide for the Northeastern States and Canada by Tilton, George Henry

As in the sensitive fern there are many curious gradations between the fertile and sterile fronds, both in shape and fruitfulness.

From The Fern Lover's Companion A Guide for the Northeastern States and Canada by Tilton, George Henry

Here may also be mentioned, as having similar habit, artichokes, peppermint, spearmint, barberry, Indian hemp, bindweed, toadflax, matrimony vine, bugle-weed, ostrich fern, eagle fern, sensitive fern, coltsfoot, St. John'swort, sorrel, great willow-herb, and many more.

From Seed Dispersal by Beal, W. J. (William James)

As Waters remarks, "Most ferns hold the sori in the open hand, but the sensitive fern grasps them tightly in the clenched fist."

From The Fern Lover's Companion A Guide for the Northeastern States and Canada by Tilton, George Henry