Osmundastrum Cinnamon Fern

Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit

Osmunda Cinnamon Fern is a deciduous, non-flowering perennial that grows to approximately 36 to 48 inches tall. Showy and long-lasting, the dramatic fern produces two sets of fronds, one fertile and one sterile. The fertile fronds emerge in early spring as furry, silvery fiddleheads that eventually become stiff, spore-bearing spikes that quickly turn chocolate brown, resembling cinnamon sticks. The sterile fronds emerge as fiddleheads from the base of the plant and unfurl into large, erect, pinnately compound, yellowish green fronds that turn yellow in autumn. The gracefully arching sterile fronds form a vase-shaped circle enclosing the "cinnamon" fronds.

This Osmunda cinnamomea is commonly called cinnamon fern in reference to the Osmunda cinnamon-colored fibers that come from the roots and are used in potting orchids. A hardy herbaceous perennial (Zones 3-9), cinnamon fern has an upright, clumping habit and spreads by creeping rhizomes, forming colonies of circular clumps over time.

Typically grown as a ground cover, cinnamon fern is shown to best effect massed or grouped and is naturally well suited to moist woodlands and areas around ponds and streams. But it is perfect for adding fine, ferny texture underneath bigger shade plants and between deciduous trees. Cinnamon fern also makes a nice specimen plant, suitable for containers, and is a perfect companion for trilliums and Virginia bluebells.

Low maintenance and virtually pest and disease free, Osmunda Cinnamon Fern prefers partial to dappled shade and organically rich, humusy, consistently moist, well-drained loams with a slightly acidic pH. But cinnamon fern is happy in average soil and is not too fussy, adapting well to less than ideal conditions. And it will grow in sun if provided constant moisture. Cut back fronds as they die out in hot summers. Cinnamon fern is rabbit resistant and deer resistant.

Plant Osmunda Cinnamon Fern roots in spring, spacing them 18 to 24 inches apart.

A native plant, Osmunda Cinnamon Fern is indigenous to North America. Unfortunately, wild cinnamon fern populations are now endangered, but you can help ensure their survival by planting some in your own garden. And our nursery propagated plants are only commercially grown, never collected from the wild. Native plants are not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly. Naturally adapted to the climate and soil conditions of the region, they thrive without fertilizers or extra watering, once established. They also act as natural pest controls, reducing the need for pesticides in the garden. Landscaping with native plants promotes biodiversity and provides shelter and quality food for wildlife and pollinators, bringing gardens to life.

SKU: 44445-PK-3
Genus: Osmundastrum
Species: cinnamomeum
Item Form: Bareroot
Foliage Color: Light Green
Habit: Mound-shaped
Light Requirements: Full SunPart ShadeShade
Moisture Requirements:

• Moist, well-drained
• Wet

Uses:

• Beds
• Border
• Foliage Interest
• Foundation

Special Features:

• Easy Care Plants
• Native
• Pruning Recommended

Hardiness Zones: 3 - 9
State Shipping Restrictions: GU, PR, VI

*Does Not Qualify for Additional Discounts