Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea)

Cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) is an interesting, colorful character and a favorite here at Jenkins. In early spring, its silver-haired shine erupts in tightly curled ‘fiddleheads’. As they continue to unfurl and mature, their white hairs turn cinnamon colored, and hummingbirds collect them to line their tiny nests. When fully mature, cinnamon fern’s fronds are large, ranging from 2.5 to 4 feet long. This robust and swamp-loving fern can tolerate some sun but prefers a wet woodland habitat. With fertile and sterile leaves, this ‘dimorphic’ fern has both rust-colored reproductive fronds, wispy green vegetative fronds, and outstanding bronze fall color. It is common from zones 2 through 10.