Cinnamon fern (Osmundastrum cinnamomeum, Gefässbundel Farrn: 18 (1847))

Family: Osmundaceae

Author: (L.) C.Presl

Bibliography: Gefässbundel Farrn: 18 (1847)

Year: 1847

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Osmundastrum

Vegetable: False

Observations: New World, Arunachal Pradesh to Russian Far East and N. Indo-China

Description

Cinnamon fern, scientifically known as Osmundastrum cinnamomeum, is a distinguished member of the Osmundaceae family. Found prominently in the New World, this ancient fern species boasts a diverse geographical distribution, stretching from the lush landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh to the remote regions of the Russian Far East, and reaching as far as Northern Indo-China.

First cited in the academic work “Gefässbundel Farrn” in 1847 by C. Presl, Cinnamon fern has captivated botanists and plant enthusiasts alike for centuries. The name of the species highlights its cinnamon-colored fertile fronds, which stand in striking contrast to its green, sterile fronds. These fertile fronds emerge in the spring, displaying a rich, cinnamon hue that inspired its common name.

The plant thrives in moist, acidic soils and is commonly found in wet habitats such as swamps, bogs, and along the margins of streams and rivers. Its preference for such environments makes it a vital component of wetland ecosystems, contributing to the habitat’s structure and biodiversity. The Cinnamon fern’s robust nature allows it to withstand both full sunlight and partial shade, showcasing its adaptability to various environmental conditions.

Beyond its ecological significance, Osmundastrum cinnamomeum bears cultural and historical importance. In various indigenous cultures, segments of the young fiddleheads are harvested and utilized in traditional culinary practices. Additionally, parts of the plant have been historically employed in folk medicine, underlining its multifaceted value.

In summary, the Cinnamon fern, Osmundastrum cinnamomeum, is a remarkable plant with a rich history, ecological importance, and versatile applications. Its cinnamon-hued fronds and widespread distribution make it a notable species within the Osmundaceae family and a subject of enduring interest in botanical studies.

Common Names

Eng: buckhorn, cinnamon fern
Swe: kanelsafsa
Fra: osmonde cannelle
En: Cinnamon fern, Buckhorn
Fr: Osmonde cannelle
Ja: Yamadori-zenmai
Sv: Kanelsafsa

Synonyms

• Struthiopteris cinnamomea ((L.) Bernh.)
• Osmunda cinnamomea var. typica (Fernald)
• Osmunda cinnamomea (L.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Amur (native)
• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Assam (native)
• Bermuda (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Korea (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Peru (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Uruguay (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jun 13, 2020 by Daniel Bäck (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 13, 2020 by Daniel Bäck (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2021 by Jeremy Jeremy (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2020 by pj cote (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2022 by Caitlin Groetsch (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 13, 2020 by Daniel Bäck (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 3, 2021 by Jeremy Jeremy (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 13, 2020 by Daniel Bäck (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7319895)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60447721-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Osmundastrum cinnamomeum (L.) C. Presl)

Specifications

Growth form: Bunch

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth rate: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 4.5