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

Horehound, horsemint, and the sensitive fern grew close to the edge, under the willows and alders, and wool-grass on the islands, as along the Assabet River in Concord.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 02, No. 08, June 1858 by Various

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

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

But did the rambler ever find the sensitive fern, which resented the intrusive hand with all Mimosa's coyness?

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 05, No. 27, January, 1860 by Various