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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].
Edible Uses: The young unexpanded fronds are eaten as a nibble or cooked in soups[46, 61, 62, 116, 159, 183, 257]. The taste is said to resemble asparagus[200]. The young shoots are seen as a 'spring tonic' to cleanse the body with fresh green food after a long winter eating mainly stored foods[257]. The latent buds can be eaten in early spring, they rival chestnuts in size and flavour[95].
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

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