Cinnamon Fern is a large, vase-shaped native fern growing 3–5 feet tall in moist forests and wetlands across eastern North America. It is named for the distinctive, cinnamon-colored fertile fronds that emerge in early spring among the larger sterile green fronds. The woolly cinnamon-colored hairs at the base of the fronds are a key identification feature. Cinnamon Fern provides nesting material for many birds and its uncoiling fiddleheads are edible and were eaten by Indigenous peoples.
Habitat
Found in moist to wet forests, swamps, and stream banks across eastern and central North America.
Diet
Woolly frond bases used as nesting material by birds; provides shelter for salamanders and invertebrates.
How common
Common
Recent Cinnamon Fern sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Cinnamon Fern? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free