Common Name: Cinnamon Fern

General Information

Osmundastrum cinnamomeum is a fern producing a cluster of fronds usually 30 - 80cm tall, occasionally to 100cm. Plants are usually deciduous, but can be evergreen in areas with warm winters[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine, and is occasionally cultivated as a food crop[]. It is a source of 'osmunda fibre', which is used in potting mixes for growing orchids, and is also grown as an ornamental in gardens.

Known Hazards

Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[].
Many ferns also contain thiaminase, an enzyme that robs the body of its vitamin B complex. In small quantities this enzyme will do no harm to people eating an adequate diet that is rich in vitamin B, though large quantities can cause severe health problems. The enzyme is destroyed by heat or thorough drying, so cooking the plant will remove the thiaminase[].

Botanical References

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Range

Americas - Paraguay and Brazil, north through central America to e.N. America as fas as Newfoundland; E. Asia - Russian Far East, China, Japan, Korea

Habitat

Sandy or alluvial soils[] in swamps low woods and thickets[]. Moist areas, acidic soils, frequently in vernal seep; at elevations up to 2,300 metres[]. Often in dense populations in marshy places in mountainous areas[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Fern
Height	0.60 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Osmundastrum cinnamomeum has a wide tolerance of climate, being found in tropical regions in the Americas (usually at moderate elevations) and also as far north as the cold temperate climate of Newfoundland. It is a very cold hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to at least -30°c[].
Easily grown in a damp woodland or by the margins of pools and streams[]. Likes a soil of swamp mud and loamy or fibrous peat, sand and loam[]. Succeeds in most moist soils, preferring acid conditions[]. Requires a constant supply of water, doing well by ponds, streams etc[]. Plants thrive in full sun so long as there is no shortage of moisture in the soil and also in shady situations beneath shrubs etc[]. Requires a shady position[].
This species is sometimes cultivated for its edible fronds[].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[].
A very ornamental plant[].
The rhizome is large and slowly creeping[].

Edible Uses

The young unexpanded fronds are eaten as a nibble or cooked in soups[, , , , , , ]. The taste is said to resemble asparagus[]. The young shoots are seen as a 'spring tonic' to cleanse the body with fresh green food after a long winter eating mainly stored foods[]. The latent buds can be eaten in early spring, they rival chestnuts in size and flavour[].

Medicinal

A decoction of the root has been rubbed into affected joints as a treatment for rheumatism[]. The root has been chewed, a small portion swallowed and the remainder applied to a snakebite[].
The following reports do not state which part of the plant is being used, though it is most likely that the root is being referred to.
The plant is analgesic, antirheumatic and galactogogue[]. A decoction is used internally in the treatment of headaches, joint pain, rheumatism, colds etc, and also to promote the flow of milk in a nursing mother[].

Other Uses

The roots are a source of 'Osmunda fibre', which is used in potting mixtures for growing orchids[].

Propagation

Spores - they very quickly lose their viability (within 3 days) and are best sown as soon as they are ripe on the surface of a humus-rich sterilized soil in a lightly shaded place in a greenhouse. Keep the compost moist, preferably by putting a plastic bag over the pot. Plants develop very rapidly, pot on small clumps of plantlets as soon as they are large enough to handle and keep humid until they are well established. Do not plant outside until the ferns are at least 2 years old. Cultivars usually come true to type[].
Division of the rootstock in the dormant season. This is a very strenuous exercise due to the mass of wiry roots[].