Osmunda Cinnamon Fern
Best low-maintenance native greenery for gardeners seeking deer-resistant landscape texture.
Discover the Osmundastrum Cinnamon Fern, a deciduous perennial celebrated for its award-winning beauty and unique dual-frond system. This North American native fern typically grows 36-48 inches tall, producing striking cinnamon-brown fertile fronds and large, yellowish-green sterile fronds. It's a low-maintenance, pest- and disease-resistant plant that thrives in moist, well-drained soil and adapts to various light conditions from full sun to shade. Ideal for ground cover, mass plantings, or containers, it adds elegant ferny texture to any garden setting and is resistant to rabbits and deer.
$20.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
29
/ 2996
#29 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-24%
Below average
SKU
444453
/ -PK-
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking early spring visual drama and texture
- Landscapers needing reliable, low-maintenance perennial foundation plants
- Homeowners with damp, shady, or boggy garden areas
Who should skip it
- Urban dwellers with small beds or container gardens
- People wanting year-round evergreen garden foliage
- Gardeners in dry climates or with poor irrigation
Performance breakdown
Hardiness Range
Thrives across a vast majority of North American climate zones.
Pest Resistance
Naturally deters deer and rabbits without requiring chemical intervention.
Maintenance Effort
A low-fuss perennial that requires minimal attention once established.
Environmental Adaptability
Versatile light requirements allow for placement in diverse garden spots.
Visual Impact
Unique dual-frond structure provides striking texture and seasonal interest.
Moisture Tolerance
Perfect for damp areas where other plants often struggle.
Key Specs
SKU
44445-PK-3
Genus
Osmundastrum
Species
cinnamomeum
Item Form
Bareroot
Foliage Color
Light Green
Habit
Mound-shaped
Hardiness Zones
3 - 9
Mature Height
4 Feet
Features
- Award of Garden Merit winner
- Unique dual-frond system
- Native to North America
- Low maintenance and easy care
- Pest and disease resistant
- Rabbit and deer resistant
- Adaptable to various light conditions
- Suitable for moist environments
What customers say
Customers are highly satisfied with the Osmunda Cinnamon Ferns, consistently praising the exceptional quality of the plants received. Reviewers frequently mention that the ferns arrive healthy, well packaged, and larger than expected. The reliability of this product is a major theme, as the ferns establish quickly and thrive, adding beautiful texture and color to shady garden spots. This robust performance makes them a favorite among gardeners seeking dependable, high quality foliage.
Know before you buy
This fern produces two distinct types of fronds: large, sterile yellowish-green fronds that provide the classic fern texture, and upright, cinnamon-brown fertile fronds that emerge from the center. This combination creates a unique, architectural look that changes as the plant matures throughout the season.
Yes, this species is generally avoided by deer and rabbits, making it a reliable choice for gardens where wildlife pressure is a concern. While no plant is 100% immune, it is highly resistant compared to many other landscape perennials.
While many ferns require deep shade, the Cinnamon Fern is remarkably adaptable and can handle conditions ranging from full shade to full sun. However, if you plant it in a sunnier location, you must ensure the soil remains consistently moist to prevent the fronds from scorching.
It prefers organically rich, humusy soil that stays consistently moist. It performs well in clay or loamy soils, provided they are slightly acidic and do not dry out completely.
No, the Osmunda Cinnamon Fern is not considered pet-safe. It is best to keep it in areas of your garden that are inaccessible to curious cats or dogs.
You can expect this fern to reach a mature height of approximately 4 feet with a width of about 2 feet. Its clumping, mound-shaped habit makes it an excellent choice for mass plantings or as a structural element in a garden bed.
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$21