Ferns, Ferns, Ferns – From Fiddleheads to Fronds

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)

A small fern, about 18 to 24 inches high, with rounded fronds, that does best in partial or full shade with rich, moist soil. The inner fertile fronds are pink when they are young.

Young fronds are called fiddleheads and are considered a delicacy. While this fern is easily grown in a garden, it will turn brown if not given sufficient water.

 

Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea)

These plants reach about 3 feet in height and are named for the cinnamon coloring of their fertile, inner fronds. This is not an evergreen fern and the green outer fronds die back in the winter.

This fern is found near streams and ponds and does best in moist soils.

 

 

Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)

Ostrich Ferns can reach heights of about 6 feet though most specimens will be about 4 feet in height. Its plumes resemble ostrich feathers. This fern also has edible fiddleheads in the springtime. Ostrich ferns do best in full shade and cooler temperatures.

Information on New Jersey Native Ferns from ehow.com