Description

=Common Name: interrupted fern

Type: Fern

Family: Osmundaceae

Native Range: North America, Himalaya, China

Zone: 3 to 8

Height: 2.00 to 3.00 feet

Spread: 2.00 to 3.00 feet

Bloom Time: Non-flowering

Bloom Description: Non-flowering

Sun: Part shade to full shade

Water: Medium to wet

Maintenance: Low

Tolerate: Rabbit, Heavy Shade

Garden locations

Culture

Easily grown in medium to wet soils in part shade to full shade. Prefers moist, rich, humusy, acidic soils, but adapts to lesser conditions.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Interrupted fern is a Missouri native fern which usually occurs on moist, wooded slopes of ravines, moist sandstone ledges and wet woodlands, most frequently in counties north of the Missouri River. Typically grows in a spreading-vase form to 2-3′ tall, but with constant moisture can reach 5′ in height. Broad fronds are “interrupted” in the middle by spore-bearing pinnae (leaflets) which typically fall off in mid summer, thus giving rise to the common name. Heavy rhizomes are the source for Osmunda fiber used in the potting of orchids.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Garden Uses

Grows well with hostas in shaded woodland or wild gardens. Also effective along ponds or streams. Interesting accent for the shaded border.