Recently I was walking on a friend’s property that is designated as an Appalachian Native Botanical Sanctuary, here in Clay County and saw among other ferns, the outstanding cinnamon fern, Osmunda cinnamomea. They’re called cinnamon fern due to the brown ‘cinnamon sticks’ that are actually the fertile fern fronds sprouting from their center. Ferns reproduce from the spores that form on the back of the fronds in clusters. This variety has these characteristics: dimensions- 4-41/2 feet tall and 2-3 wide; Transplants- very easily; Naturally spreads- rapidly; Soil condition- moist to wet.
Jill Long, Master Gardener
