Osmundastrum cinnamomeum

Common Names

Cinnamon Fern, Cinnamon Ferns

Summary

Cinnamon fern is a native, deciduous fern with a vase-shaped clump that typically grows about 2–5 ft tall and 2–4 ft wide. Sterile fronds are light green and arch outward, surrounding a central cluster of cinnamon-brown fertile fronds bearing sporangia; fertile fronds appear in spring and mature to cinnamon color, with fall foliage turning yellow to orange.

Best grown in moist, acidic soils with consistent moisture in partial to full shade; tolerates wet conditions and is hardy in USDA zones 3–9, forming dense colonies via stout rhizomes. Propagation methods include spores or division (division every 3–5 years); maintenance involves removing dead fronds and mulching to retain moisture. Landscape uses include borders along waterways, mass plantings, woodland gardens, and pond or bog edges; deer- and rabbit-resistant, it offers ornamental foliage and habitat value.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2-6 feet

Spread

2-3 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-9

Sunlight Requirements

Partial shade to full shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-draining, acidic, humus-rich soil

Soil Drainage

Well-draining but consistently moist

Soil pH

4.5-6.9

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Does not bloom

Foliage Color

Green, yellow-green on emergence, dark green in summer, cinnamon-colored fronds (brown) on fertile fronds, orange-gold in fall.

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow to orange

Leaf Lifecycle

Region-dependent: Evergreen in frost-free southern regions; Deciduous in colder northern regions.

Growth Rate

Slow-growing, spreads slowly by rhizomes, may exceed 3 ft in height or spread in 5 years, 4–5 years to reach maturity

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Spores, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Birds: Yes (nesting material; nesting sites)