Cinnamon Fern

Osmunda cinnamomea

American Beauties®

Native Cinnamon Fern Thrives in Wet Spots Where Other Plants Fail
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-9
Grows 2-3 ft Tall and Wide
Native, Wildlife-Friendly - Attracts Small Mammals and Songbirds
Top Pick for Mass Planting in Native Gardens

$38⁷¹

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Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Cinnamon Ferns thrive in full to part shade. While they can handle more sunlight in cooler climates, they need at least four to six hours of shade to prevent the delicate fronds from scorching or turning yellow.
Soil: These ferns prefer rich, acidic, and consistently moist soil. If you have heavy clay, mix in plenty of compost or leaf mold to help with drainage while retaining the moisture they crave.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, keep the soil consistently damp to help the root system establish itself. Once mature, Cinnamon Ferns can tolerate soggy ground and even shallow standing water, but they will show stress through drooping fronds if the soil dries out completely. For the best growth, maintain a "wrung out sponge" level of moisture at all times.

Pruning Tips

This plant produces new growth from the center of the crown each spring, so there is no need to prune for bloom production. In late winter or early spring before new fiddleheads emerge, simply snip away the dead, brown fronds from the previous year. This "spring cleaning" allows the new growth to shine and prevents old foliage from trapping excess moisture that could lead to crown rot.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer or a layer of organic compost in early spring just as the fiddleheads begin to unfurl. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer. Excessive nitrogen at that time encourages soft, new growth that will not have enough time to harden off before the first frost, leaving the plant vulnerable to winter damage.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

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Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Native, Wet Soils, Deer-resistant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Container Friendly
Hardiness Zone	4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Partial shade, Shade
Height	2-3 ft
Width	2-3 ft
Watering Needs	High
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Compact, Upright
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Spring
Foliage Color	Green
Native	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Fern
Botanical Name	Osmunda cinnamomea
Species	cinnamomea
Class	Polypodiopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) is the perfect plant for that wet spot in your yard where very little will grow. Native to American wetlands, this plant thrives in woodland gardens and by streams, ponds and bogs. If you have a water feature in your yard, then this is the plant you want growing beside it. Highly adaptable and verdant upright greenery all growing season.

The name Cinnamon Fern refers to the cinnamon-colored new fronds and the fibers that are found near the base. You may have seen these pretty fibers used to make orchid pots. These ferns don't flower or bloom, but they don't need to. They make a huge statement with just their emerald green fronds standing like sentinels in your garden. These plants look prehistoric and are as sturdy as they look.

Use these slowly spreading plants to fill in those wet spots and then don't give them another thought. They are that hardy! Tolerant of USDA hardiness zones 3 - 9, these are very cold-resistant and heat tolerant!

Planting and Application:

Ferns grow great nearly anywhere and even work great in containers, adding lushness and serenity to your porch or patio. Window boxes and porch pots gain low screening and lush greenery to mixed planters as upright filler and tall green backdrop. Tuck around water features and use in Rain Gardens and at the soggy spot where the gutters drain.

Use as 2-3 foot tall privacy around meditation and reading nooks, shady entertainment and seating areas. Use as edging in borders and along garden paths to ease the transition between lawn and garden. Lacy embellishments before your foundation plantings or as fringe around structures, hardscapes, flag poles and mailboxes. Accents and backdrops to garden beds and borders, throughout moist shade gardens and incredible specimen plants!

Upright Lacy Green Fronds
Highly Adaptable & Fast Growing
Cinnamon Colored New Growth
Sun & Shade in Moist Locations
Classic Wetland Native Perennial (Evergreen in Warm Climates)

#ProPlantTips for Care:

This elegant Fern can even thrive in standing water for extended periods of time. They perform well in sun or shade. However, Ferns grow in cooler climates and can handle full sun and part sun, while in hot growing zones they prefer afternoon shade, partial shade and full shade. Provide moderate, yet consistent moisture and plant them in a location with well-drained soil.

Full Sun, Partial Shade & Full Shade
Prefers Moderate to High Moisture
Well-Drained Soil
Divide Every 2-3 Years
Prune Early Spring to Clean Mound

Adaptable and easy-care verdant color and fine texture are yours with the beautiful Cinnamon Fern available at NatureHills.com! Hurry and order these impressive natives today!

Explore More from Nature Hills

Cinnamon Fern pairs beautifully with other shade-loving perennials and works well as one of many reliable native plants that thrive in woodland settings alongside low maintenance plants and deer resistant plants. For design inspiration, explore our guide on All About Brunnera: Perfect Perennials For Shade Gardens and learn how to Create The Perfect Mixed Perennial Garden! that incorporates ferns with flowering companions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cinnamon Fern deer resistant?

Cinnamon Fern is generally deer resistant due to its tough, fibrous fronds that deer typically avoid. Native ferns like this one are naturally less appealing to browsing wildlife. Plant it in your zones 3-9 garden's wet spots where deer frequent for reliable, low-maintenance screening.

What are the light requirements for Cinnamon Fern, like full shade or part sun?

Cinnamon Fern thrives in both sun and shade as long as moisture is consistent. This adaptable native performs best in partial shade to full shade locations with wet to moist soil conditions. Plant near water features or in consistently damp areas for optimal growth.

What soil type and moisture levels does Cinnamon Fern need?

Cinnamon Fern thrives in consistently moist to wet soil and tolerates poor drainage better than most plants. This wetland native adapts to various soil types as long as moisture levels stay high. Plant in that soggy spot where gutters drain or beside water features for best results.

How do I plant Cinnamon Fern roots or bare roots?

Plant bare root Cinnamon Ferns at the same depth they were previously growing, with the crown at soil level. Choose a moist, shaded location and water thoroughly after planting. Space plants 2-3 feet apart to accommodate their spreading habit and mature size.

Can Cinnamon Fern tolerate wet or boggy soil?

Cinnamon Fern thrives in wet, boggy conditions and is native to American wetlands. This hardy perennial (zones 3-9) is perfect for soggy spots where other plants struggle. Plant it near water features, rain gardens, or drainage areas for best results.

Will Cinnamon Fern grow well in my USDA zone (e.g., zone 3-9)?

Cinnamon Fern thrives in USDA zones 3-9, making it exceptionally versatile across most of North America. This hardy native handles both extreme cold and heat with ease. Check your specific zone and plant with confidence knowing it will establish quickly in moist conditions.

Cinnamon Fern

Osmunda cinnamomea