White Flower Farm
Osmunda cinnamomea
Best low-maintenance choice for gardeners with moist, shaded woodland spaces.
Discover the unique beauty of the Cinnamon Fern (_Osmunda cinnamomea_), a native perennial that brings striking visual interest to your garden. Its pale green foliage matures to a darker shade in summer, then transforms into a beautiful gold and rich brown display in the fall. The fern's distinctive cinnamon-colored fertile fronds are a natural wonder, sometimes even providing nesting material for hummingbirds. Thriving in full sun to light shade and preferring consistently moist to wet soil, this fern is an excellent, low-maintenance choice for woodland gardens, offering texture and a cooling presence.
$22.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1695
/ 3083
#1695 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-20%
Below average
Mature Height
35
/ -'
Who it's for
- Designers creating dramatic focal points in shady, wet areas
- Gardeners seeking unique seasonal textures and visual interest
- Low-maintenance landscapers wanting long-lived, robust native plants
Who should skip it
- Gardeners with dry soil or limited irrigation capabilities
- Owners of small urban gardens or container arrangements
- Budget-conscious shoppers preferring local or mass-market nursery pricing
Performance breakdown
Native Ecological Value
Supports local biodiversity by providing essential nesting material for hummingbirds.
Maintenance Ease
Slow growth habit and low-maintenance requirements simplify long-term garden care.
Visual Versatility
Dynamic foliage transitions offer year-round interest from spring through autumn.
Moisture Tolerance
Thrives in damp environments where many other perennials struggle to survive.
Pest Resistance
Reliable deer resistance keeps your woodland garden safe from common browsers.
Hardiness Range
Broad adaptability across multiple zones ensures success in diverse climates.
Key Specs
Mature Height
3-5'
Spacing
24-30"
Hardiness Zone
3-7S/9W
Exposure
Sun to Part Shade
Ships as
1 PINT 28.86 CU IN.
Deer Resistance
Yes
Care Level
Easy
Watering Frequency
Moderate
Features
- Striking cinnamon-colored fertile fronds
- Attractive gold and brown fall foliage
- Native plant provides nesting material
- Tolerates moist to wet soil conditions
- Deer resistant for garden protection
- Easy care and slow growth habit
- Adds texture to woodland gardens
- Thrives in sun to part shade
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the exceptional quality and robust health of the Cinnamon Ferns received from White Flower Farm. Reviewers consistently note the strong root systems, which ensure successful transplantation and quick establishment. The packaging effectively protects the delicate fronds during shipping. While the plant's signature cinnamon fronds develop beautifully, the primary consideration for buyers is value. Despite the premium price, satisfaction remains high for those prioritizing superior plant health and reliable initial quality over budget concerns. This purchase confirms a high standard for gardeners seeking dependable specimens.
Know before you buy
While this fern thrives in consistently moist to wet conditions, it is adaptable. As long as you provide regular watering to keep the soil from drying out completely, it will perform well in standard garden beds.
The Cinnamon Fern is considered deer resistant, making it a reliable choice for gardens where wildlife pressure is a concern. It is generally avoided by deer, allowing it to maintain its structure throughout the season.
For the best results, space your ferns 24 to 30 inches apart. This allows enough room for the clumping habit to mature without the plants becoming overcrowded as they reach their full height of 3 to 5 feet.
Yes, this variety is versatile enough to handle full sun to light shade. However, if you live in a region with particularly hot summers, providing some afternoon shade will help keep the foliage looking its best.
The Cinnamon Fern has a slow growth habit, which makes it a low-maintenance addition to your landscape. You won't need to worry about it quickly outgrowing its designated space or requiring frequent division.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$22