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Clayton's Fern

Osmunda Claytonia

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Overview

Interrupted Fern (Osmunda claytoniana) is a unique perennial fern reaching 2-3 feet tall and spreading up to 2 feet wide. It displays bright green, deciduous fronds with distinctive leafless segments, or 'interruptions,' in the middle. Thriving in medium-wet to wet soil, it prefers partial to full shade. Ideal for woodland gardens, this fern's maintenance is minimal, and it adds a textural contrast to shaded areas. Hardy in zones 3-7.

Sun Deep Shade, ShadeWater HighZones 3–8Type FernClimate Temperate
Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — is a perennial fern native to the cool
Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — It requires minimal maintenanceClayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — where fertile leaflets appear to 'interrupt' the otherwise green, image 32Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — this fern's maintenance is minimal; where fertile leaflets appear to 'interrupt' the otherwise green, image 47Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — fern for deep shade or shadeClayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — this fern's maintenance is minimalClayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — spore-bearing leaflets darken to a cinnamon-brown before withering away mid-season+49

Culture

Sun
Deep Shade, Shade
Water
High
USDA zones
3–8

Shape & size

Mature height
2–3 Ft.
Mature width
2–3 Ft.

Classification

Type
Fern
Family
Osmundaceae
Climate
Temperate

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Photos (56)

Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — is a perennial fern native to the cool
Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — It requires minimal maintenance
Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — where fertile leaflets appear to 'interrupt' the otherwise green, image 32
Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — this fern's maintenance is minimal; where fertile leaflets appear to 'interrupt' the otherwise green, image 47
Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — fern for deep shade or shade
Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — this fern's maintenance is minimal
Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — spore-bearing leaflets darken to a cinnamon-brown before withering away mid-season
Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — this deciduous fern thrives in partly shaded to fully shaded areas; ideal for woodland gardens, image 55
Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — adding vertical interest and texture to shaded garden areas or woodland settings; where fertile leaflets, image 56
Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — and it shines when allowed ample space to spread its fronds
Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — scientifically named Osmunda claytoniana
Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — Best suited for USDA zones 3 through 7; with no serious pest or disease issues
Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — Ideal for woodland gardens, image 46
Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — temperate forests of North America
Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — temperate forests of North America; with no serious pest or disease issues, image 51
Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — Best suited for USDA zones 3 through 7; with no serious pest or disease issues, image 54
Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — with no serious pest or disease issues
Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — deciduous fronds with distinctive leafless segments; ideal for woodland gardens
Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — where fertile leaflets appear to 'interrupt' the otherwise green
Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — Thriving in medium-wet to wet soil, it prefers partial to full shade; with no serious pest or disease issues, image 45
Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — Adding a layer of organic mulch can help retain soil moisture and reduce weed competition; where fertile leaflets appear
Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — It derives its common name from its distinct frond structure
Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — this deciduous fern thrives in partly shaded to fully shaded areas
Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — this fern's maintenance is minimal; where fertile leaflets appear to 'interrupt' the otherwise green
Photographs by 11 contributors

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