sweetfern Myricaceae Comptonia peregrina (L.) J.M. Coult.   symbol: COPE80
	Leaf: Alternate, simple leaf, linear, 2 to 4 inches long, 1/3 to 1/2 inch wide, coarsely irregularly toothed, tight arrangement on twigs causes them to resemble ferns, dark green above, a bit paler below, very fragrant. Flower: Monoecious; females short rounded catkin with reddish bracts, males elongated, yellow-green catkins in clusters at twig ends, appear in spring. Fruit: Round, bur-like cluster of ovoid nutlets, brown when mature in late summer. Twig: Slender, gray-brown, fuzzy; buds round, plump, male catkins present in the winter, resin dots often present. Bark: Smooth, shiny reddish brown, heavily lenticeled. Form: A small, densely branched shrub reaching 2 to 4 feet in height, spreads with rhizomes.
	No range map exists for this species. See a map of the states in which Comptonia peregrina can be found (opens a new window). USDAFS Additional Silvics - USDA Plants Database Comptonia peregrina is native to North America.