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Osmundastrum cinnamomeum
(L.) C.Presl
Cinnamon Fern
Osmundaceae
Osmundastrum cinnamomeum is a species of fern in the family Osmundaceae. It is widely distributed in eastern North America, and also often cultivated. The species was once considered to be a member of Osmunda (FNAEC 1993), although research has shown that including it in Osmunda would cause the genus to be paraphyletic (Metzgar et al. 2008).
Description
Osmundastrum cinnamomeum is a fern that spreads via rhizomes. Fronds have long hairs when young but lose them as they mature; the stalks are enlarged and winged at their bases. Sterile fronds are light green and pinnate. The leaflets (which there are at least 40) are 5 to 20 cm long, 1.5 to 3 cm wide, pointed, stalkless and may be pinnately lobed, making the fronds pinnate-pinnatifid. The entire fronds are ovate to lanceolate, 30 to 80 cm long and 15 to 25 cm wide. The sterile fronds have a soft papery texture. Fertile fronds are smaller, coppery brown, and covered with sporangia, growing on spikes (FNAEC 1993).
Uses
Note: Please see the disclaimer regarding any information about medical or edible uses.
Osmundastrum cinnamomeum is often grown as a garden plant. It grows in USDA zones 3 to 9, and prefers wetter soils in the shade. Its roots are also used as a growing medium for orchids (MBG).
Distribution
Osmundastrum cinnamomeum is found in marshy areas at altitudes of about 600 to 2600 m. It is widespread in North America, East and South Asia (FNAEC 1993).
Status
References
FNAEC (Flora of North America Editorial Committee), editor. 1993. Flora of North America, north of Mexico. Volume 2: Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms. New York: Oxford University Press.
MBG (Missouri Botanical Garden), Osmundastrum cinnamomeum. Plant Finder. [accessed 2019 Jun 12]. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=i570.
Metzgar, J. S., Skog, J. E., Zimmer, E. A., and Pryer, K. M. 2008. The Paraphyly of Osmunda is Confirmed by Phylogenetic Analyses of Seven Plastid Loci. Systematic Botany 33: 31–36.
MBG (Missouri Botanical Garden), Osmundastrum cinnamomeum. Plant Finder. [accessed 2019 Jun 12]. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=i570.
Metzgar, J. S., Skog, J. E., Zimmer, E. A., and Pryer, K. M. 2008. The Paraphyly of Osmunda is Confirmed by Phylogenetic Analyses of Seven Plastid Loci. Systematic Botany 33: 31–36.
Description
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