What makes Cinnamon Fern distinctive from other ferns?

Cinnamon Fern produces separate fertile fronds that are golden-brown to cinnamon colored, appearing in spring before the green sterile fronds fully develop. These fertile fronds contain spores and wither by midsummer.

Where does Osmunda cinnamomea naturally grow?

Cinnamon Fern is native to eastern North America from Canada south to Florida and west to New Mexico. It naturally occurs in wet woods, swamps, bogs, and stream banks.

What growing conditions does Cinnamon Fern prefer?

This fern thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and partial shade to full shade. It performs best in acidic, organic-rich soils and can tolerate seasonal flooding.

Is Cinnamon Fern toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Cinnamon Fern as toxic to livestock.

Is Cinnamon Fern HOA-friendly?

Cinnamon Fern is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Cinnamon Fern

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Osmunda cinnamomea

Last reviewed: July 2026

Osmunda cinnamomea (Cinnamon Fern) is a native deciduous fern found in Pennsylvania and eastern North America. This moisture-loving fern produces distinctive cinnamon-colored fertile fronds in spring and thrives in partial shade to shade.

Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) — Photo: (c) Michael Newlon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael Newlon

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Cinnamon Fern as toxic to livestock.

Light

part shade

Water

high

Size

24"–60" H × 24"–48" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 31 more states

Browse plants for this ecoregion

East Central Texas Plains South Central Plains

Cinnamon fern is a large, graceful native fern that forms attractive clumps in moist, shaded areas. It gets its name from the cinnamon-colored fertile fronds that emerge in spring, followed by tall green sterile fronds that create a lush backdrop through summer.

Growing Cinnamon Fern

Grow Cinnamon Fern in part shade and high water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 24 to 48 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Cinnamon Fern is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.

Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots

Wildlife value

This fern provides shelter and nesting material for small wildlife and birds. While it doesn't attract pollinators directly, it supports the broader ecosystem by creating habitat in shaded woodland gardens.

Common questions

What makes Cinnamon Fern distinctive from other ferns?: Cinnamon Fern produces separate fertile fronds that are golden-brown to cinnamon colored, appearing in spring before the green sterile fronds fully develop. These fertile fronds contain spores and wither by midsummer.
Where does Osmunda cinnamomea naturally grow?: Cinnamon Fern is native to eastern North America from Canada south to Florida and west to New Mexico. It naturally occurs in wet woods, swamps, bogs, and stream banks.
What growing conditions does Cinnamon Fern prefer?: This fern thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and partial shade to full shade. It performs best in acidic, organic-rich soils and can tolerate seasonal flooding.
Is Cinnamon Fern toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Cinnamon Fern as toxic to livestock.
Is Cinnamon Fern HOA-friendly?: Cinnamon Fern is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Cinnamon Fern? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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