Fern Live

Fern Live

Need help identifying a large woodland fern...I live in NC...?

I live in NW North Carolina. I go hiking in the woods a lot and I am an avid gardener. I am also familiar with most of the ferns and native plants in my area. However, I recently found a group of three ferns that I have never seen before and with a moderate amount of research, I have yet to identify them. They have huge stems about 1/2" thick, and the fronds grow over 6 feet tall. The fronds are in groups of about 6 and they form a vase shape. They're growing in almost full sun in a very rich damp soil near a small stream. I was told by a local greenhouse owner that these were a type of cinnamon fern, but I have looked at pics of all the types of cinnamon fern and none match up. I would love to have some for my shade garden but I can't figure out what these are. I also do not want to disturb the ones that I found, so that is not an option. Thanks for your help.

You are correct. It is a cinnamon fern. These are native to the eastern half of the U.S. They grow in moist locations in dense woodlands. Cinnamon ferns grow to 5' or taller. Here is a link with good info about this plant. Hopefully, you haven't already looked at it in your research.. good luck!

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=OSCI

http://plants.usda.gov/java/charProfile?symbol=OSCI

...Billy Ray

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Tiarella is found primarily in rich woods of New England extending south to the higher elevations of the Carolinas, though a variant species Tiarella cordifolia var. collina, of very similar appearance has a range extending into much of the North Carolina piedmont. This perennial herb blooms from April to June when it reaches its maximum height of 6-12 inches.

The small flowers have 5 white petals in the shape of a star with yellow stamens, and are grouped in a foam-like cluster at the apex of the stem. The genus name Tiarella is derived from the Greek Tiara, a term for a turban worn by ancient Persians and is reminiscent of the shape of the pistil. Foam flowers are colonial, spreading their growth by rhizomes, as well as by seed, and are a popular choice for ground cover in shade gardens. The shallow root system of this plant makes a happy companion of deep rooted natives such as Solomon's seal and Cardinal Flowers.

This plant has a high tannin content making it a natural astringent. Native Americans made leaf tea to cure mouth sores and eye ailments. Root tea was used to treat diarrhea, as well as made into a poultice for topical wounds.

This native North American species has pale green heart-shaped leaves which develop bronze highlights in the autumn. In summer, it produces a profusion of starry white flowers on 4- to 12-inch spikes. It self-sows freely. So once you invest in a few plants you will soon have many of them for years to come.

Some of the most common characteristics of the Tiarellas are at home in moist woodland environments. In the garden they make wonderful carpets of intricate leaves in a variety of shapes and with distinct markings. For a long period from spring into summer, the profusion of foamy flowers can be appreciated up close or from a distance. Grow eastern foam flower as a groundcover or edger in a shady border or woodland garden. It is a great foil to early spring bulbs.

The Foam Flower doesn't need much care to live and thrive as long as you provide moist, rich soil in part to full shade. Then your Foam flower will thrive for many years to come.

For the best propagation sow seeds as soon as ripe or in a cold frame in the spring. Divide the rhizomes in spring for the best plant possible. A few items that love the foam flower is rust, powdery mildew, slugs and weevils but with little care and upkeep you can have a great addition to your landscape in no time.

At TN Nursery they can provide you with a great selection of White foam flowers to make your yard look professionally landscaped. You can check them out at wholesale perennial nursery.

Tree Nursery is a State of Tennessee Certified Tree Farm. In our online nursery you will only find speciman quality trees, plants, perennials and Garden Plants. All trees plants and shrubs are marked down for quick sale right now. We are the largest mail order nursery in the country and we ship plants to all states.

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