U.S. #4976 OR U.S. #4976a

2014 & 2015 Ferns (with Microprinting):  Painted Fern

Value:  49¢ 1-ounce First-class rate (Forever)

Issue Date:  March 27, 2015

Type of Stamp:  Definitive

Printed by:  Bank...  more

U.S. #4976 OR U.S. #4976a

2014 & 2015 Ferns (with Microprinting):  Painted Fern

Value:  49¢ 1-ounce First-class rate (Forever)

Issue Date:  March 27, 2015

Type of Stamp:  Definitive

Printed by:  Banknote Corporation of America/SSP

Printing Method:  Offset, Microprint

Formats:  Coil of 3,000 (2015) OR Coil of 10,000 (2014)

Self-Adhesive

Quantities Printed:  45,000,000 (Coil of 3,000) OR 100,000,000 (Coil of 10,000)

**Please Note:  When you order this 2015 Painted Fern stamp, you may receive US #4975 (from the coils of 3,000 with "2015" at the bottom of the stamp) OR #4975a (from the coils of 10,000 with "2014" at the bottom of the stamp).**

The silvery, feather-like fronds of painted ferns are naturally found in shady, wooded areas of Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.  They often dapple the dark corners of landscaped areas as well, adding bright points to otherwise flat, green ground cover.

Americans commonly use ferns as landscape undergrowth to cover garden blemishes and bare spots as well as to block weed growth.  Ferns are naturally durable plants and many varieties are deer- and insect-resistant as well, making them a favorite of landscape architects and novice gardeners alike.

As with many other fern species, painted fern varieties are hardy, low-maintenance, shade-lovers, easily cultivated by the casual gardener.  However, painted ferns offer more than just ground cover.  Their multicolored foliage, presenting in shades of silver, red, purple, and green, supplies color to shady areas where blooms tend not to flourish.  These ferns add light and texture to the landscape.

The diverse color scheme of painted ferns tends to deepen in cooler climates, making them especially desirable in the northern United States.  Painted ferns are also a favorite for cross-pollination, with new varieties emerging all the time.  Enthusiasts must be patient though, as the colors of these plants can take two to three years to fully emerge.