The northern oak fern is a unique and beautiful fern that can grow up to 2 feet tall. This fern is also known as the eastern oak fern, hay-scented fern, and interrupted fern. The eastern oak fern gets its name because it grows primarily in the eastern part of North America. The hay-scented fern is given this name because of its distinct smell, which is similar to freshly cut hay. The interrupted fern is named so because of its peculiar growth feature - its fertile fronds grow in-between the sterile fronds, which causes a gap in the growth. Regardless of its name, the northern oak fern is an elegant addition to any garden or landscape.