A quite majestic fern, growing up to 4 feet tall with a graceful vase-shaped habit. It resembles the cinnamon fern except in the way each frond is ‘interrupted’ in the middle by the fertile area (sporangia) which are greenish-brown and much smaller than the green leaf blades (pinnae) above and below this section. It also has a distinctive yellow or golden-brown fall color. A definite ‘conversation’ plant! Attracts songbirds such as wood thrush and ovenbird.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Interrupted Fern
Osmunda claytoniana
Plant Type: Ferns
Native Environment: Stream Edge, Wetland
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June), Late (July - frost)
Main Color: Green
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
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Sun Exposure
Medium Sun/Average Shade, Shade

Soil
Moisture
Moderate, High

Nature Attracting
Pollinators/Beneficial Insects

Wildlife Benefit
Cover

Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
2 to
4
feet
Spread:
2 to
3
feet
Size
Height: 2 to
4
feet
Spread: 2 to
3
feet
Size
Height: 2 to
4
feet
Spread: 2 to
3
feet
Typical Landscape Use
A striking focal point when planted by a shady waters edge.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Rich, moist, wooded areas with shade to partial shade is the best situation for this easy to grow fern.
Special Features
Special Usage
Containers, Ground Cover
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.
What’s the Next Step?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.