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

At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data

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

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.

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.

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