Cinnamon Fern Osmundastrum cinnamomeum (formerly Osmunda cinnamomea)

Other scientific names: Osmunda cinnamomea French names: Osmonde cannelle  Family: Flowering Fern Family (Osmundaceae) Distinctive features: Whitish velvety coating on lower stems and fiddleheads. Swamps. Central cinnamon-colored fertile frond. Similar species:   •   Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) - all fronds grow from a single black knob; grows in areas that are not as wet; fertile frond is black later in the year; lower stems are not white-velvety.   •   Interrupted Fern (Osmunda claytoniana) - grows in drier places; lacks a separate fertile frond.   •   Marsh Fern (Thelypteris palustris) - also grows in wet areas; lacks the small tufts at the base of the leaflets; fronds grow singly.   •   Virginia Chain Fern (Woodwardia virginica) - uncommon; fronds grow singly. Leaves: Twice divided;  Long, classic fern shape; small tufts at the base of the leaflets. Height: 1-2 m (3-5 ft) Stem: Whitish velvety coating on lower stems and fiddleheads; rest of stem somewhat hairy. Fronds grow froma central point (knob). Habitat: Wet Areas;  Open areas in swamps and wet areas. Uses: Fiddleheads are edible. But limit the quantity that you eat, as all ferns contains some carcinogens. Edible: Edible, but Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) is much better. Native/Non-native: Native Status: Very common. Notes: Frequently confused with Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris). For more information visit: Ontario Ferns Photographs: 247 photographs available, of which 27 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.