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Sweet-fern (Comptonia peregrina) is a native shrub of eastern North America. It forms dense colonies through underground rhizomes, creating extensive stands on sandy, acidic soils. Its upright, slightly hairy stems bear deeply divided leaves that resemble those of ferns, which inspired its English name. The narrow, alternate, and deeply lobed leaves release a resinous scent when crushed. In May or June, the plant produces brownish male catkins and discreet greenish female flowers located at the tips of the branches. The fruits are small, rough, reddish-brown nutlets clustered in short spikes. In the fall, the foliage turns golden to reddish-brown, adding ornamental interest to this hardy species. This colonizing plant naturally grows in open sandy habitats, slopes, clearings, and along roadsides. It is a nitrogen fixer through a root symbiosis with actinorhizal bacteria, which allows it to thrive in poor soils and improve their fertility.

Sociability index: 4 → Indicates the plant’s behaviour in space and its interactions with other plants.

Medicinal and culinary uses
The aromatic leaves of sweet-fern have been used to prepare balsamic-flavoured infusions. They served as a tea substitute or medicinal beverage to treat diarrhoea, digestive troubles, fevers, and respiratory ailments. Externally, infusions or poultices made from the leaves were used to soothe skin irritations and insect bites. The leaves were also burned as fumigations for their antiseptic properties and pleasant fragrance. The plant contains tannins and resinous compounds that give it astringent, antiseptic, and stimulating properties. The dried leaves can also be used as a flavourful seasoning in certain dishes.

Ecological roles
Sweet-fern plays an important ecological role in open, nutrient-poor habitats. Its nitrogen-fixing root system enriches the soil and promotes the establishment of other native plants. It stabilizes sandy soils and prevents erosion, particularly on slopes and dunes. Its flowers, though inconspicuous, provide pollen for bees in spring, while its foliage shelters numerous insects. It serves as a host plant for several species of butterflies and moths. Its fruits are eaten by some birds and small mammals. By forming dense colonies, it also contributes to the biodiversity of open, sunny habitats.

Akène cannot assume any responsibility for the use of plants for therapeutic purposes. Always seek advice from a professional before using a medicinal or edible plant.