Osmunda cinnamomea, commonly known as Cinnamon Fern, is a deciduous fern native to North America, Mexico, the West Indies, Central America, and South America. It typically forms dense clumps reaching 2-3 feet tall, but under ideal moisture conditions, it can grow up to 5 feet in height. The fern is characterized by its striking cinnamon-colored fertile fronds that appear in early spring and contrast with the large, arching, green sterile fronds.

Cinnamon Fern is valued for its lush greenery and unique fertile fronds, which add a touch of color to shade gardens. It is commonly used in moist woodland gardens, as a border plant, or in naturalized areas where it can spread to form a ground cover. This fern thrives in acidic, consistently moist to wet soils and prefers part shade, although it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates if kept moist. It is relatively low maintenance, but gardeners should ensure it has enough water, especially in drier conditions. While generally disease-free, it can suffer from rust if grown in overly dry or poor air circulation environments.CC BY-SA 4.0