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This picture of a Cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea L.) was taken on UNCW campus in Bluethenthal Wildflower Preserve on April 9th 2018. Take notice of the brown rods in the middle of the green leaves. These rods (pinna) are responsible for the Cinnamon fern’s reproduction and seed dispersal. The pinna is produced in April/May and is named for its cinnamon stick-like appearance. The brown color is from many spores that are tightly compacted on the leaflets of the frond. The spores will be released in June when they are mature. Once released, the reproductive pinna will be a naked stipe which will wither and decompose.

 

This species of fern prefers moist soil which is a reason it is dominant in this area. It is commonly found in wetland marshes such as on the campus of UNCW. It prefers shade tolerant habits which allows it to live in the dense Bluethenthal Wildflower Preserve. This forest was dense but inhabited many Cinnamon fern individuals.

 

Sources:

ccrm.vims.edu/publications/wetlands_technical_reports/93-...

 

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