A popular Missouri native fern, Cinnamon Fern, Osmundastrum cinnamomeum, can be found in moist, boggy ground. Plants usually grow 2-3′ tall but, with consistent moisture, can reach 5′ in height. Familiar fiddleheads emerge in spring and unfurl into large erect sterile fronds, which remain lovely through the summer and then transform to yellow in fall. Separate spore-bearing stiff, fertile fronds appear in early spring which turn brown. Cinnamon Fern is an excellent choice for wet areas along ponds, streams, and water gardens. It also grows well in shaded borders, woodland gardens, and wild or native plant gardens.

Also known as Osmunda cinnamonea.

Cinnamon Fern prefers shade to part shady sites but is tolerant of heavy shade.