Cinnamon Fern
Osmunda cinnamomea
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fern
Height
36 inches
Width
30 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Consistently moist soil
Humidity
High humidity preferred
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Eastern North America, Eastern Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Osmunda cinnamomea, commonly known as Cinnamon Fern, is a deciduous fern that can grow in wet, shaded areas. It has distinctive cinnamon-colored fronds. Unique for its spore-producing fertile fronds that arise from the center of the plant, giving it a distinctive appearance.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck spores or divisions into moist, well-draining soil in spring.
- Mist regularly to keep soil moist without waterlogging.
- Ensure the planting site receives partial to full shade for optimal growth.
- Water consistently, especially during dry spells, to maintain soil moisture.
- Apply mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced, organic fertilizer.
Pro Tip
Plant in shaded areas with rich, moist soil for best results and avoid direct midday sun.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Keep soil consistently moist 🌱
- Provide shade during hottest parts of the day
- Apply organic mulch annually
- Use a balanced fertilizer in spring
Don't
- Avoid waterlogging the roots ❌
- Do not expose to direct, intense sunlight
- Skip fertilizing during dormant periods
- Avoid dry, sandy soils
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Cinnamon Fern questions
What zones can Cinnamon Fern grow in?
Cinnamon Fern is hardy in USDA Zones 4–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Cinnamon Fern deer resistant?
Yes — Cinnamon Fern is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Cinnamon Fern bloom?
Cinnamon Fern typically blooms in spring through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Cinnamon Fern need full sun?
Cinnamon Fern does best in part shade.
More Osmunda to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow Cinnamon Fern with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
