Cinnamon Fern

Family: Osmundastrum

Description: The Osmundastrum cinnamomeum fern forms huge clonal colonies in swampy areas. These ferns form massive rootstocks with densely-matted, wiry roots. This root mass is an excellent substrate for many epiphytal plants. They are often harvested as osmunda fiber and used horticulturally especially in propagating and growing orchids. Cinnamon Ferns do not actually produce cinnamon.

Leaves: The fertile leaves appear first; their green color slowly becomes brown as the season progresses and the spores are dropped.