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 3–8Climate Temperate

Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — deciduous fronds with distinctive leafless segments

Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — Thriving in medium-wet to wet soil, it prefers partial to full shade

Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — deciduous fronds with distinctive leafless segments

Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — this fern's maintenance is minimal

Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — Ideal for woodland gardens

Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — and it adds a textural contrast to shaded areas

Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — scientifically named Osmunda claytoniana

Culture

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

Shape & size

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

Classification

Family: Osmundaceae
Climate: Temperate

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Photos (56)

Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — or 'interruptions,' in the middle

Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — Thriving in medium-wet to wet soil, it prefers partial to full shade

Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — deciduous fronds with distinctive leafless segments

Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — this fern's maintenance is minimal

Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — Ideal for woodland gardens

Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — and it adds a textural contrast to shaded areas

Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — scientifically named Osmunda claytoniana

Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — is a perennial fern native to the cool

Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — where fertile leaflets appear to 'interrupt' the otherwise green

Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — temperate forests of North America

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) — Best suited for USDA zones 3 through 7

Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — The fronds are bright green and have a graceful

Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — adding vertical interest and texture to shaded garden areas or woodland settings

Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — It requires minimal maintenance

Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — spore-bearing leaflets darken to a cinnamon-brown before withering away mid-season

Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — and it shines when allowed ample space to spread its fronds

Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — with no serious pest or disease issues

Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — Adding a layer of organic mulch can help retain soil moisture and reduce weed competition

Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — deciduous fronds with distinctive leafless segments; ideal for woodland gardens

Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — fern for deep shade or shade

Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — or 'interruptions,' in the middle; 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

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