Osmunda claytoniana
interrupted fern
 
The Interrupted Fern, Osmunda claytoniana, is a lovely, adaptable native fern that enjoys a bit of shade and cool, moist conditions. This fern thrives in rich, well-drained soil, making it perfect for woodland gardens or shady spots in your yard. It doesn’t mind a bit of moisture, so planting near a stream or in an area that gets consistent water works great. While it doesn’t have showy blooms like flowers, its arching, deeply cut fronds steal the spotlight, with the fertile fronds standing upright in the middle of the plant, giving it a distinctive "interrupted" look. The lush green foliage can grow up to 3 feet tall, adding texture and depth to your garden. 
 
Their dense, feathery fronds provide a sheltered space for critters like Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) and Northern Flickers (Colaptes auratus), which are known to nest in areas with dense undergrowth. Birds such as the Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) also appreciate the cover, using the ferns as a hiding spot from predators or to build their nests. Furthermore, small mammals like Eastern Chipmunks (Tamias striatus) might forage around these ferns, taking advantage of the ground cover and any fallen seeds.
 
Plants can be purchased in-person or online (with in-person pick-up). 
All online orders will be ready for pick-up 24-72 hours after purchase. You will receive an email to let you know when your order is ready. We kindly ask that you pick-up any orders within one week of purchase.