Cinnamon Fern
Osmundastrum cinnamomeum
Ferns Difficulty: Moderate
📖 About this plant
A majestic native fern named for its distinctive cinnamon-colored fertile fronds that rise from the center of the plant like plumes. The large, arching sterile fronds form a handsome vase shape. A reliable performer in shade gardens and wetland areas.
🧑🌾 Care requirements
☀️
Light
Partial shade to full shade (2-4 hrs)
💧
Water
Every 1-2 weeks
💨
Humidity
High (60-80%)
🌡️
Temperature
10-24°C
🪴
Soil
Consistently moist, rich, acidic soil with high organic content; tolerates wet clay soils
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Fertilizer
Compost or leaf mold applied as top dressing in spring; balanced fertilizer optional
📋 Plant facts
- 🌍 Origin
- Eastern North America, from Canada to Florida; also found in eastern Asia
- 📏 Max height
- 90-150 cm
- 📐 Spread
- 60-120 cm
- 🕰️ Bloom time
- Non-flowering
- 🎨 Bloom color
- Non-flowering (produces spores)
- 🍃 Foliage color
- Green
- ⏳ Lifespan
- Perennial
- 📈 Growth rate
- Moderate
- ☠️ Toxicity
- Non-toxic to humans and pets
- 🌱 Propagation
- Division of clumps in early spring; spore propagation on sterile media
🛡️ Health & Safety
🐾 Pet safe
✅ Non-toxic
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Common issues
- Frond dieback from drought stress, Rust fungus spots, Crown rot in poorly draining soil
💡 Care tips
- Central fertile fronds turn cinnamon-brown and give the plant its name,Native to wetlands and thrives in consistently moist soil,Produces a tall cinnamon-colored spike in the center during spring,Ideal for rain gardens and naturally damp areas
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One click — added instantly. Watering every 11 days, fertilizing every 30 days.
