Osmunda

Large upright leaves, typically fern-like in shape. The cinnamon colored fertile fronds develop at the at the center of the circle created by the leaves. A handsome and distinctive specimen. Especially on young leaf stalks, there is a coating of cinnamon-colored "wool". This wool is used by ruby-throated hummingbirds to line their nests.

A large, stately, upright fern, much like the preceeding species (cinnamon fern) in its form and appearance. Spore bearing leaflets occur in a group about mid-way up the leaf, "interrrupting" the sequence of sterile leaflets and giving the plant a distinctive appearance. Especially rugged and persistent, and quite tolerant of dry soil. Its toughness and adaptability make interrupted fern well suited to cultivation. Will thrive under most conditions found in the typical landscape, from sun to shade and from dry to moist soil.

A unique fern with doubly compound leaves which more closely resemble large honey locust leaves than typical fern fronds. Forms a dense, rounded clump.