Interrupted Fern
Osmunda claytoniana
- Native to:
- Canada, Labrador, Prince Edward I., United States, Virgin Islands
Willard Nelson Clute (writer) & William Walworth Stilson (illustrator)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Pteridophyta | - Ferns
- Family:
- Osmundaceae
- Genus:
- Osmunda
- Species:
- Osmunda claytoniana
- USDA Symbol:
- OSCL2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 90 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
osmunda borer moth (Papaipema speciosissima)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.0 - 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers shaded, woodland environments
Propagation & Germination
- Notes:
- Spores require moist, sterile conditions for germination; not typically propagated by seed.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.
Source: Claude AI
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)