General Information
Status in Florida: Native
Native Habitat: Swamps, floodplains, streambanks, wet hammocks, moist woodlands
Native States: FL, GA, AL, MS, LA, SC, NC, and widely distributed throughout the eastern U.S. and Canada
Growing Zones: 3–10
Size at Maturity: 2–6 feet tall, 2–4 feet wide
Phenology: Winter dormant
Life Cycle: Perennial
Growth Rate: Moderate
Growth Habit: Clumping, upright, herbaceous
Bloom Season: Non-flowering (reproduces via spores)
Bloom Color: Not applicable
Growth Conditions
Sunlight Requirements: Part-Shade to Shade
Soil Texture: Muck, loam, peat, rich organic soils
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
Moisture Requirements: Moist to wet
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low/None
Keystone Plant: No
Landscape Considerations
Recommended Landscape Uses: Rain gardens, shade gardens, water features, naturalized wet areas, woodland gardens
Maintenance Tips: Provide consistent moisture; mulch with organic matter to retain soil moisture and mimic natural conditions
Considerations: Not drought-tolerant; prefers cool, moist roots and filtered light
Hurricane Wind Resistant: Yes
Erosion Control: Yes
Nitrogen Fixing: No
Other Information
Edible: Caution (young fiddleheads of some Osmunda species have been used historically, but proper ID is crucial)
Pet Safe: Yes
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Yes
Historical Medicinal Uses: Root fibers were historically used as potting medium for orchids and in herbal tonics
Florida Native Companion Plant: Cinnamon Fern, Cardinal Flower, Blue Flag Iris, Swamp Milkweed
Wildlife Benefit: Provides cover and habitat for amphibians and insects
Caterpillar Host Plant: No