Summary
The cinnamon fern features showy, cinnamon-colored fertile fronds in early spring followed by large arching sterile fronds the remainder of the growing season, making this an attractive addition to the moist shade garden. The erect rhizomes of cinnamon fern grow to 3½’ tall with the fertile fronds fading by early summer. It thrives in moist, humus-rich, acidic to average soil in partial to full shade and its fibrous root system is excellent at holding the soil in place especially in streamside settings. Osmundastrum cinnamomeum makes an excellent companion to Packera aurea, Helonias bullata, Micranthes pensylvanica, Carex grayi, and Lobelia siphilitica.
More Details
- Plant Type
fern - Sun/Shade Conditions
filtered-shade, partial-shade, shade - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
average, moist, wet - Flowering Period
late-spring, mid-spring - Soil PH
adaptable - Flower Color
brown - Summer Foliage Color
green - Other Scientific Names
Osmunda cinnamomea
- Fall Foliage Color
green, yellow - Fruit/Seed Color
brown
Additional Information
Connecticut Botanical Society, Flora of North America, Hardy Fern Library