Osmunda cinnamomea Cinnamon fern (Osmundaceae)

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Osmunda cinnamomea
Cinnamon fern
(1 Page of 5)

The Osmunda cinnamomea plant species is found in Eastern N. America, S. America, E. Asia. It is a member of the Osmundaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Cinnamon fern.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Osmunda cinnamomea
Common Name:  Cinnamon fern
Family:  Osmundaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[200]. Many ferns also contain thiaminase, an enzyme that robs the body of its vitamin B complex. In small quantities this enzyme will do no harm to people eating an adequate diet that is rich in vitamin B, though large quantities can cause severe health problems. The enzyme is destroyed by heat or thorough drying, so cooking the plant will remove the thiaminase[172].

Mature Height:  0.6   Mature Width:  0.4

Habitat:  Sandy or alluvial soils[159] in swamps low woods and thickets in Eastern N. America[43].

Cultivation Notes: Easily grown in a damp woodland or by the margins of pools and streams[187]. Likes a soil of swamp mud and loamy or fibrous peat, sand and loam[1]. Succeeds in most moist soils, preferring acid conditions[200]. Requires a constant supply of water, doing well by ponds, streams etc[1]. Plants thrive in full sun so long as there is no shortage of moisture in the soil and also in shady situations beneath shrubs etc[200]. Requires a shady position[188]. Plants are hardy to at least -20°c, they are evergreen in warm winter areas but deciduous elsewhere[200]. This species is sometimes cultivated for its edible fronds[200]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233]. A very ornamental plant[1]. The rhizome is large and slowly creeping[187].

For further Osmunda cinnamomea gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future