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“My internship experience proved that it's important to keep your eyes open, as you never know what slight connection is going to get you the experience you are looking for.”
Sam Moore '09, Graphic Design major
Sweetfern Comptonia peregrina
Sweet Gale Myricaceae family
Leaves are simple, alternate, and fern-like. In fact, if you see what appears to be a fern, but it's a low bush with woody twigs, you can be sure that you are looking at a sweetfern. These leaves are aromatic - if you crush a small piece in your fingers you will smell it. Leaves are 3 - 6" long and usually hairy.
Flowers are catkin-like, grow in clusters and are about an inch long; blooms April through June.
Fruit is a small bur-like fruit containing a nut, appears September through October.
Form/Habitat: Sweetfern grows in dry waste places to 5'. It can often be found in new forest canopy clearings or disturbed places, as it is shade intolerant. Prefers acidic, sandy or gravelly soils.
NWI Status: N/A
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