PlantFiles: Cinnamon Fern
Osmunda cinnamomea

This fern is native to the eastern-half of the USA (including Texas), Canada, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Venezuela, Bermuda, Cuba, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico.

It is considered an endangered species in the state of Iowa, and is listed as exploitably vulnerable in the state of New York.

While this fern does grow here (clay/loam soil under dense deciduous shade, watered regularly), it does not thrive as do many other fern varieties such as lady fern or royal fern. The relatively coarse leaves look very unique and prehistoric.

Very handsome fern, and quite tough, too. Georgous brown colored cinnamon "sticks" (fiddles) in spring. I love this fern.

deer resistant

I've grown this fern in Ithaca, NY zone 5 at the front corner of my sloped garden. It tolerates almost full sun here if grown in moist conditions. It was shielded only from midafternoon sun but received morning, early afternoon and evening sun. I've recently moved several to the back of my lot because they became so large and numerous that it obstructed my view of the other flowers.

It will spread quite nicely over a period of years on it's own. Transplants easily, just make sure to plant it in a moist location and keep it watered until established.

This lovely fern of the woods is quite common, and has been used for medicine by Native Americans. The croziers (fiddleheads) are used for food, and are quite delicious sauteed in a little butter.

This fern is long lived once established. Arching fronds are bluish green and sterile. In the summer, fertile fronds appear in the center of the plant. They are cinnamon-colored and edible.

Prefers damp, moist heavily shady areas but will do well with adequate water in almost any landscape. May be evergreen, semi-evergreen or deciduous, depending on variety and winter temperatures.