Interrupted Ferns are mind-blowing in their longevity, both in the garden and over the millennia that they have been here, virtually unchanged. Fossils closely resembling this species were uncovered in Antarctica and dated back to the late Triassic, 220,000,000 years ago! This fern prefers to grow in moist to wet habitats, though it can tolerate drier conditions than the other native Osmundas. They can even thrive in full sun if persistent moisture is available. The fertile pinnae "interrupt" the vegetative pinnae in the middle of the frond, hence the common name. The clumping growth habit branches over time to form colonies in preferred growing conditions. Sources:
Native Ferns, Moss, & Grasses by William Cullina
Missouri Botanical Garden
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Limited Time Offer:
0
days
0
hours
0
mins
0
secs
Osmunda claytoniana (Interrupted Fern) - 1 gal
Interrupted Fern
Plant Care & Installation Quick-Guide
Proper acclimation and installation are key to your plant's success. Please cross-reference these tips with your plant's specific ID tags:
·
Pre-Planting: Store plants in a light-appropriate area on soil or grass (avoid hot concrete or asphalt) and water daily until the soil is saturated and the pot feels heavy. If temperatures drop below 30°F, move pots to a garage or cover them to prevent root freeze.
·
Installation: Dig a hole matching the depth of the pot, remove the fabric container, and ensure the plant’s crown or root flare is level with the ground. Fill gaps with soil, water heavily, and apply 2 inches of mulch—keeping it clear of the stem.
·
Ongoing Care: Check moisture daily by feeling 1–2 inches into the soil; water deeply at the base if the soil feels dry or warm. Newly installed plants require frequent watering (up to 3–4 times weekly in heat) until fully established, which can take a few months for perennials and up to two years for trees.