Despite its name, the sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis) is remarkably resilient. It is named for its delicate sterile fronds, which often die back with drought or the first light frost, yet the plant itself can survive in climates as far north as Alaska. Even more impressive, fossil evidence from the Paleocene Epoch reveals that this species has remained largely unchanged for nearly 60 million years. Today, its range spans not only eastern North America (O. sensibilis var. sensibilis) but also parts of eastern Asia (O. sensibilis var. interrupta). Like many North American ferns, sensitive fern thrives in shady, moist, and even boggy environments. At Glenstone, it can be found growing alongside cattails, turtleheads, and skunk cabbage along the Woodland Trail, as well as near the boardwalk to Richard Serra's Four Rounds: Equal Weight, Unequal Measure, 2017, and even in a few spots near the Arrival Bridge.

–Tim Curley and Bonne Di Giansante