Contents
Description
Osmundastrum Cinnamomeum Subsp. Cinnamomeum, commonly known as the Cinnamon Fern, is a deciduous fern that is native to North America. It can grow up to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for larger gardens and landscaping projects. The fern has a unique cinnamon-colored fertile frond that emerges in the spring and stands upright, while the sterile fronds are green and arching.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pteridophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Dryopteridaceae |
| Genus | Osmundastrum |
Appearance
The Cinnamon Fern has a unique appearance that sets it apart from other ferns. The fertile frond emerges in the spring and stands upright, while the sterile fronds are green and arching. The fertile frond is cinnamon-colored, giving the plant its common name. The fronds can grow up to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for larger gardens and landscaping projects. This fern is deciduous and will lose its fronds in the fall.
Care Guide
The Cinnamon Fern is a relatively easy plant to care for. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade to full shade. It can tolerate some sun, but too much can cause the fronds to dry out. Water the fern regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize the fern with a balanced fertilizer in the spring, just as the new growth is emerging. The Cinnamon Fern is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Cinnamon Fern is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. These can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The fern can also be susceptible to fungal diseases such as rust and leaf spot. These can be treated with a fungicide or by removing and disposing of infected fronds.
Habitat
The Cinnamon Fern is native to North America and can be found in wetlands, swamps, and along stream banks. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade to full shade. The fern can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Cinnamon Fern be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the Cinnamon Fern can be grown in containers. However, it will require more frequent watering and fertilization than if planted in the ground.
Q: How often should the Cinnamon Fern be fertilized?
A: The Cinnamon Fern should be fertilized once a year in the spring, just as the new growth is emerging.
Q: Can the Cinnamon Fern tolerate full sun?
A: The Cinnamon Fern prefers partial shade to full shade. While it can tolerate some sun, too much can cause the fronds to dry out.
Q: When should the Cinnamon Fern be pruned?
A: The Cinnamon Fern does not require pruning. However, dead fronds can be removed in the fall or early spring.
Related Plants
- Osmundastrum cinnamomeum subsp. spectabilis
- Osmunda claytoniana
- Dennstaedtia punctilobula
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Osmundastrum cinnamomeum subsp. cinnamomeum. Retrieved July 28, 2021, from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=h210
- Garden Design. (2021, March 3). Cinnamon Fern. Retrieved July 28, 2021, from https://www.gardendesign.com/plants/cinnamon-fern.html
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. (n.d.). Osmundastrum cinnamomeum. Retrieved July 28, 2021, from https://arboretum.wisc.edu/trees-plants/plant-profiles/osmundastrum-cinnamomeum/
