Native

Cinnamon Fern

Osmunda cinnamomea

$22.00
1 Quart USDA Zones 3–10 Part Shade and Full Shade Matures 2–6 Feet

Osmunda cinnamomea, the cinnamon fern, sends up erect cinnamon-brown spore fronds in spring amid arching green sterile fronds. A bold, architectural native for a shaded bog, a rain garden, or a moist woodland.

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

Healthy-arrival guarantee Free shipping over $150
Roots wrapped in moist soil and padded for safe transit
Grown and shipped from our nursery in Aiken, SC
Shipping later in the season? Schedule your delivery date in your cart.

Step into a North American wetlands grove, and you'll find Osmunda cinnamomea, the majestic cinnamon fern, standing tall on fronds that arch with the dignity of cathedral windows. Native to rich, damp woodlands and boggy stream edges across eastern North America, this stately fern thrives in humus-laden soil, the base cloaked in cinnamon-colored fibers that inspired the common name. In spring, the center of each dark green vase unleashes erect fertile fronds, spore-tossing cinnamon sticks that rise above the sterile foliage before maturing to warm, russet brown.

Through summer, the broad, bipinnate sterile fronds hold steady at 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, reaching up to 5 to 6 feet in perpetually moist conditions. By autumn, those deep-green arches fade to gold, a silent encore before dormancy. Hardy from USDA zones 3 to 9, and even into 10, the cinnamon fern asks little beyond shade to part shade, consistent moisture, and a rich, organic bed. Easy-going, deer-resistant, low-maintenance, and free of serious disease, these ferns are among the finest natives for bringing drama and calm together in any shaded garden.

Will this plant thrive in your zone?

Plant Profile
At a glance
Hardiness
USDA Zones 3–10
Sun
Part Shade, Full Shade
Soil
Moist, Rich
Mature size
Height 2–6 Feet · Spread 2–5 Feet
Growth rate
Fast
Seasonality
Deciduous
Design Notes

A bold, architectural native fern for a shaded bog, a stream or pond edge, a rain garden, or a moist woodland border. The cinnamon spring fronds and gold fall color bring season-long interest to deep shade; group several for a lush, calming stand. Deer-resistant and trouble-free.

Flower, Fruit & Foliage

Foliage. Broad, arching, bright green sterile fronds, 2 to 3 feet, turning clear gold in fall.

Fertile Fronds. Erect cinnamon-brown spore fronds rise from the center of the clump in spring, the source of the common name.

Habit. A clump-forming native fern that can reach 5 to 6 feet given constant moisture.

Care

Read our full care guide

Light. Part shade to full shade; full sun only in wet soil.

Soil. Rich, humusy, acidic soil, moist to wet.

Water. Consistent moisture; tolerates shallow standing water.

Pruning. Remove old fronds in late fall or early spring.

Hardiness. USDA zones 3 to 9.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

Woodlanders Growing Process

Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.

Sustainable Growing Practices

Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.

Supporting Local Biodiversity

Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.
Grown in Aiken, South Carolina
At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders
Healthy plants, ready to thrive
Success, made simple
Healthy plants, ready to thrive

Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.

Read the care guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.

What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.

What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.

Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.