Loves to be in moist, boggy ground along streams and on shaded ledges and bluffs. Typically grows in clumps to 2-3' tall, but with constant moisture can reach 5' in height. Separate spore-bearing, stiff, fertile fronds appear in early spring, quickly turning brown.
The familiar "fiddleheads" also emerge from the base of the plant and unfurl into large, erect, pinnately-compound, yellowish-green, sterile fronds (2-4' long) which remain attractive throughout the summer and turn yellow in autumn. The common name of this plant is in reference to the cinnamon colored fibers found near the frond bases. Osmunda fiber used in the potting of orchids comes from the roots of these ferns.
Larval Host for the
Moths
2-4'
SIZE
SOIL
Moist, Rich, Humus, Acidic, Wet
LIGHT
Part Shade, Shade
BENEFITS
Moths, Birds, Toads, Small Mammals
NOTES
Excellent selection for wet areas along ponds, streams, water gardens or in bogs.
CHARACTERISTICS
Relatively pest free, Easy to Grow, Low Maintenance, Tolerates Rabbits, Showy
Non-Flowering
Fern
This
flowers in
Cinnamon Fern
Osmunda cinnamomea
DETAIL VIEW
DESCRIPTION
Loves to be in moist, boggy ground along streams and on shaded ledges and bluffs. Typically grows in clumps to 2-3' tall, but with constant moisture can reach 5' in height. Separate spore-bearing, stiff, fertile fronds appear in early spring, quickly turning brown.
The familiar "fiddleheads" also emerge from the base of the plant and unfurl into large, erect, pinnately-compound, yellowish-green, sterile fronds (2-4' long) which remain attractive throughout the summer and turn yellow in autumn. The common name of this plant is in reference to the cinnamon colored fibers found near the frond bases. Osmunda fiber used in the potting of orchids comes from the roots of these ferns.