Sitobolium punctilobulum, the eastern hayscented fern[4] or hay-scented fern, is a species of fern native to eastern North America, from Newfoundland west to Wisconsin and Arkansas, and south in the Appalachian Mountains to northern Alabama; it is most abundant in the east of its range, with only scattered populations in the west.

The common name "Hay-scented Fern" comes from the fact that crushing it produces an aroma of fresh hay.

The presence of Sitobolium punctilobulum influences the dynamics of the understory vegetation of many forests in the eastern United States.

An abundance of Rubus allegheniensis in open areas encourages new tree seedlings.

Where Sitobolium punctilobulum becomes common, the growth of tree seedlings is restricted.