Interrupted Fern Osmunda claytoniana
ABOUT
Osmunda claytoniana, commonly known as interrupted fern, is a unique and visually striking perennial fern. Its name is derived from the distinctive gap, or "interruption," in the middle of its fronds where the spore-bearing structures, called sori, are located. The fronds themselves are long and arching, adding a graceful elegance to the plant's overall form. They emerge in the spring as fuzzy, silvery fiddleheads, which unfurl into bright green, deeply divided leafy blades as they mature. The interrupted fern has a clump-forming habit, with the fronds radiating outwards from a central crown. The green fronds are composed of leaflets that are lance-shaped and finely toothed, giving them a feathery appearance. Typically, the green fronds sprout tall and straight, showcasing a classic fern silhouette. Between the upper and lower portions of these fronds, the fertile, spore-bearing leaflets emerge. These are typically darker and contrast with the lush green of the sterile leaflets, thereby creating the namesake interruption in the frond's profile. Interrupted fern displays a natural symmetry that makes it an attractive plant for shaded or woodland gardens. The contrast between the fertile and sterile sections of the fronds provides visual interest and makes it relatively easy to distinguish from other ferns. The plant is well-suited to moist and shady environments, where it contributes a rich, textured look to the understory.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Interrupted Fern, Clayton's Fern, Clayton's Flowering Fern
Common names
Osmunda interrupta, Struthiopteris claytoniana.
ToxicityTo humans
The Osmunda claytoniana, commonly known as interrupted fern, is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no significant reports of poisoning or toxic effects from ingesting this plant. Therefore, consuming parts of the interrupted fern should not result in any toxic consequences for humans; however, it is generally advisable to avoid consuming plants that are not commonly recognized as edible.
To pets
The interrupted fern (Osmunda claytoniana) is also not considered toxic to pets. It does not contain compounds known to cause poisoning in animals, so if pets were to ingest parts of this plant, it is unlikely to cause them harm. However, pet owners should always exercise caution and discourage their animals from eating ornamental plants, as individual animals might have unexpected reactions or allergies.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Fern
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ecosystem Support: Osmunda claytoniana, commonly known as the interrupted fern, provides habitat and food for various insects, birds, and small animals within its ecosystem.
- Soil Erosion Control: The fern's root system helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion, especially in moist areas where it thrives.
- Ornamental Value: With its unique leaf structure and aesthetic appeal, the interrupted fern is often used for ornamental purposes in gardens and natural landscaping.
- Biodiversity: Interrupted ferns contribute to the biodiversity of an area by offering unique genetic material to the local flora, which can be crucial for maintaining ecosystem balance.
- Ecological Indicator: Since it is sensitive to environmental changes, Osmunda claytoniana can serve as an ecological indicator, signaling the health of its surrounding ecosystem.
- Water Management: The plant is often found in wetlands and can play a role in water filtration and management, contributing to the health of aquatic systems.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Garden Ornamentation: Osmunda claytoniana, commonly known as Interrupted fern, can be used as an ornamental plant in shade gardens due to its unique frond structure and appealing green foliage.
- Bioindicator Species: Interrupted fern can serve as an indicator for certain soil conditions, such as acidity, helping gardeners and ecologists assess the health of an ecosystem.
- Erosion Control: The expansive root system of Interrupted fern makes it useful for controlling soil erosion in shaded, moist environments where it thrives.
- Wildlife Habitat: The dense fronds of Interrupted fern provide shelter and breeding grounds for various insects and small woodland creatures.
- Environmental Education: Due to its distinct reproduction via spores, Interrupted fern can be used as an educational tool to explain fern life cycles and ancient plant history.
- Companion Planting: Interrupted fern can be planted alongside shade-loving perennials to create a lush, textured garden display that mimics a natural forest understorey.
- Soil Improvement: When allowed to decompose naturally, the fronds of Interrupted fern can contribute to soil humus, enhancing soil quality over time.
- Floral Arrangements: The unique fronds of Interrupted fern can be used in floral arrangements to add a woodsy and airy element to bouquets.
- Craft Material: Dried fern fronds can be incorporated into craft projects such as framed botanical art or used as stencils for painting due to their intricate vein patterns.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not a common use, the ornamental value of small, young Interrupted fern fronds could lend a visual appeal to gourmet dishes as an edible garnish.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Interrupted Fern is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Interrupted Fern is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Secretive Growth: Osmunda claytoniana, commonly known as the "Interrupted Fern," has a characteristic growth pattern in which fertile leaflets are "interrupted" by non-fertile ones. This hidden feature symbolizes things that are not immediately apparent or things that develop in secret.
- Resilience: As a fern, the Interrupted Fern illustrates the capability to thrive in various conditions, often in shaded forests, symbolizing endurance and the ability to persist through challenges.
- Prehistoric Heritage: Ferns like the Interrupted Fern are ancient plant species that predate many others. Thus, they symbolize a connection to the distant past and the survival of ancient wisdom through time.
- Air Purification: Like many ferns, the Interrupted Fern can symbolize the purification of the atmosphere, representing cleansing and the removal of negative energy from an environment.
- Eternal Youth: Due to the fern’s cycle of rejuvenation and continuous growth, they often symbolize new beginnings and the perpetuation of youth and vitality.
WaterThe Interrupted Fern should be watered deeply enough to saturate the root zone, which generally means applying approximately one inch of water per week. During hot or dry spells, it may be necessary to increase watering frequency, possibly to twice per week, ensuring that the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. To avoid fungal diseases, it's best to water early in the day so that any water on the leaves can dry before nightfall. Be cautious not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot—less frequent watering that reaches deep into the soil is better than frequent shallow watering.
LightInterrupted Fern thrives best in partial to full shade, mimicking its natural understory habitat. The ideal spot would be under the canopy of taller trees or on the north side of a building where it can receive indirect sunlight. Avoid placing it in direct, harsh sunlight, as this can burn the fronds and stress the plant.
TemperatureInterrupted Fern prefers moderate to cool conditions and is hardy in temperatures ranging from around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during active growth seasons. In terms of extremes, this fern can generally tolerate a minimum temperature close to 20 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum temperature around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It's crucial to protect the plant from extreme heat or frost to maintain its health and vigor.
PruningPruning Interrupted Fern is typically done to remove dead or damaged fronds and to maintain a tidy appearance. The best time to prune is in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This plant doesn't usually require frequent pruning; an annual trim is often enough to keep it looking its best.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor the Interrupted Fern (Osmunda claytoniana), a mix consisting of peat, loam, and sand with good drainage is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, ranging from 5.5 to 6.5 for optimal growth.
RepottingInterrupted Ferns should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to replenish nutrients and prevent over-crowding of roots. It’s best to repot in the spring just as new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingInterrupted Fern thrives in high humidity conditions, typically around 60-70%. It prefers a consistently moist atmosphere which mimics its natural woodland habitat.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Interrupted Fern in bright, indirect light with high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant Interrupted Fern in partial to full shade, moist area.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleOsmunda claytoniana, commonly known as the interrupted fern, begins its life cycle as a spore which germinates to produce a small, heart-shaped gametophyte (prothallus). This gametophyte houses both male (antheridia) and female (archegonia) reproductive organs. Once water allows sperm to swim to the egg, fertilization occurs, leading to the development of a sporophyte, the familiar fern plant. The sporophyte emerges from the gametophyte and develops into a mature fern with fronds that may reach up to 1.5 meters tall. The interrupted fern is named for its distinctive fronds which have fertile, spore-bearing pinnae in the middle of the frond that wither away as the season progresses, giving the appearance of interruption. These spore-bearing pinnae, when mature, release spores into the environment, thus completing the cycle and allowing for the spread and propagation of the species.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
Propogation: The Interrupted Fern, scientifically known as Osmunda claytoniana, is generally propagated through spores, which is the most popular method. The process begins by collecting spores from the undersides of mature fronds during the summer when they are ripe. Once collected, the spores are sown on the surface of a sterile, moist potting mix. This is typically done indoors or under controlled conditions to maintain high humidity. Ideal temperatures for spore germination range around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius). Over several months, with consistent moisture, the spores will germinate and develop into a mass of tiny plants called prothalli, and eventually, these will grow into mature ferns.
