Osmunda 'cinnamomea'

Cinnamon Fern

Osmundastrum cinnamomeum, commonly called cinnamon fern, is a native deciduous perennial fern with large, upright, vase-shaped clumps of soft green sterile fronds. In spring, separate fertile fronds rise from the center and quickly turn cinnamon-brown, giving the plant its common name. The sterile fronds provide a lush, woodland texture through the growing season and may turn yellow before going dormant in fall. It is commonly still listed in the nursery trade as Osmunda cinnamomea.

Type: Deciduous native perennial fern
Mature Size: 2–4 ft. wide × 2–3 ft. tall; can reach 5–6 ft. tall with constant moisture
USDA Zones: 3a–9b
Form: Upright, vase-shaped, clumping fern
Light: Part shade to full shade; tolerates more sun only with consistently wet soil
Soil / Water: Moist to wet, acidic, humus-rich soil; best in boggy ground, wet woodland soil, streambanks, pond edges, rain gardens, and damp shaded borders
Bloom Time / Length: Non-flowering fern; cinnamon-colored fertile fronds appear in spring and remain ornamental for several weeks
Wildlife: Provides cover for small wildlife; wetland plantings support amphibians and moisture-loving insects; generally deer resistant

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for shade gardens, woodland gardens, rain gardens, bog gardens, pond edges, streambanks, wet naturalized areas, and native plantings. The cinnamon-colored fertile fronds give it stronger seasonal interest than many green ferns, while the broad sterile fronds create a soft, full background texture. It is especially useful where soil stays evenly moist or wet.

Care:
Plant in moist, organic soil and do not allow it to dry out during establishment. Mulch with leaf mold or shredded leaves to keep roots cool and moist. Cut back old fronds in late winter or early spring before new fiddleheads emerge. Avoid hot, dry sites unless irrigation is provided.

Plant type

Fern

Height

2-3'

Width

2-4'

Hardiness zones

3–9

Sunlight

Full Shade, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow

Attracts

Hummingbirds

Soil

Acidic, Humus rich, Wet Area

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Mass Planting

Shape

Clumping, Upright, Vase Shaped

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No