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Cinnamon Fern
| Cinnamon
Fern |
| Cinnamon
ferns occur naturally in moist, boggy areas near streams and
on shaded ledges. Cinnamon ferns generally grow in clumps two
to three feet tall, but have been known to reach heights of
five feet if given constant moisture. The cinnamon fern receives
its name from the small, younger fronds, which start out bright
green before turning cinnamon in color. These smaller fronds
give striking contrast to the larger, deep green fronds. |
| Cinnamon
ferns, like most ferns, prefer areas that are shady, but will
also grow in full sun if sufficient moisture is provided. Cinnamon
ferns should be planted in loamy woodland soil under the shade
of a tree to mimic the natural environment of this plant. Unlike
some other ferns, the cinnamon fern will tolerate flooding,
and is capable of growing in wet, submerged soil.
White-tailed deer and other animals commonly
eat the small fiddleheads of the cinnamon fern. When boiled,
these small fronds are also edible to humans, though few people
actually eat them. Like other ferns, cinnamon ferns have rhizomes,
which are a type of underground stem that spreads and grows
new plants. This is one of the ways that the cinnamon fern
propagates.
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| Cinnamon
ferns are very valuable to the ecosystem. They provide cover
and shelter to many small animals, such as squirrels, birds,
snakes and insects. Cinnamon ferns are also known to grow and
thrive alongside certain other types of plants. These include
red maple and white oak trees, high bush blueberry, wild strawberry
and greenbrier. |
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