Wasowski, Sally and Andy
Osmunda cinnamomea L.
Cinnamon fern
Osmundaceae (Royal Fern Family)
The fronds of cinnamon
fern occur in groups, rising from a shallow, black rootstock. Fertile fronds appear first as silvery, furry fiddleheads, ultimately becoming stiff, erect, and covered with specialized
pinnae, which turn their upper portions into a thick
spike of
fruit dots – turning from green to chocolate brown. Sterile fronds bend outwards forming a vase-shaped circle enclosing the cinnamon fronds. The
fern can reach a height of 6 ft.
The contrasting stature of fertile and infertile fronds can make for dramatic accents in a landscape.
Image Gallery:
8 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb ,
Fern Leaf Retention: Deciduous Leaf: Green
Fruit: Size Class: 1-3 ft. , 3-6 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Not Applicable
Bloom Notes: This is a non-flowering plant that reproduces by spores.
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , IA , KY , LA , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MS , MO , NH , NJ , NY , NC , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , TN , TX , VT , VA , WV , WI , DC
Canada: NB ,
NL ,
NS ,
ON ,
PE Native Distribution: Lab. to MN, s. to FL, TX, Mex, and Central America. Zones 4 to 11.
Native Habitat: Boggy areas; shaded ledges; bluffs
USDA Native Status: L48(N), PR(N), CAN(N), SPM(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium , High
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet , Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Muddy, acid soils. Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay, Acid-based, Calcareous
Conditions Comments: Can grow in full sun if it is in standing water all the time. Otherwise, must have at least partial shade and at least moist soil.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Bog or pond area, Water garden
Use Wildlife: Fuzz which covers the young fiddleheads is a favorite nesting material for birds.
Use Other: Bristly root crown, called osmunda fiber, used as a potting medium for orchids.
Attracts: Birds
2012-10-03
