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Osmunda claytoniana
Osmunda claytoniana L.
Interrupted Fern
Osmundaceae (Royal Fern Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: OSCL2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N), SPM (N)
The fronds of interrupted fern occur in groups. Once-pinnate fertile fronds, which are slightly longer, have 2-5 pair of pinnae in the center of the frond which are twice-pinnate and utilized solely for spore bearing. Sterile fronds bend outward forming a vase-shaped circle enclosing the "interrupted" fronds. This fern can reach a height of 6 ft.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb , Fern
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Size Notes: Up to about 6 feet tall.
Leaf: Dark Green
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Not ApplicableBloom Notes: Non-flowering, sporulating plant. Brown spores are produced May - Jun.
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , GA , IA , IL , IN , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , SC , TN , VA , VT , WI , WVCanada: NB , NL , NS , ON , PE
Native Distribution: Nf. to Man., s. to GA & LA
Native Habitat: Rich, wooded slopes; moist ledges
Growing Conditions
Water Use: HighLight Requirement: Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Moist to dry, acid to neutral soils.
Conditions Comments: Interrupted fern is easy to cultivate.
Mr. Smarty Plants says
Possible ground covers under pine trees in Illinois
April 18, 2006
Have pine trees in front of house. No luck with the lawn around them....was told it's because of ground acidity. Any tips on how to get a lawn to grow there? If not, can you suggest some ground cover...
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National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FAC | FAC | FAC | FAC | FAC |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE
Additional resources
USDA: Find Osmunda claytoniana in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Osmunda claytoniana in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Osmunda claytoniana
Metadata
Record Modified: 2015-07-03Research By: TWC Staff