Ferns--Fiddleheads

Fiddleheads Cinnamon Fern (Osmundastrum cinnamomeum)  or Ostrich Fern (Pteretis pensylvanica)

The term "fiddleheads" refers to the unfurling young sprouts of ferns.  Although many species of ferns are edible as fiddleheads, Ostrich Ferns are the best. They are edible only in their early growth phase first thing in the spring. PLEASE NOTE: Most or all other fern species are either unpalatable  (too tough or not very tasty) or contain high levels or carcinogens.  Cinnamon or Ostrich Ferns are the safest in that they contain the least amount of these.  However, do not eat large quantities of even Ostrich ferns,  as the carcinogens do accumulate over the short term.

A nice stand of Ostrich ferns.  They can grow up to 6 or more feet tall! This is not the stage at which you can eat them, however.

These are what you eat. They're known as "fiddleheads" because of their resemblance to the neck of a violin (fiddle). Simply steam them until they're tender.  Good with butter and salt, if you like.

A couple of these fiddleheads are too big to eat (the two tallest ones). Note how all the fronds grow up from a single point.

And all of these are too tall to eat. This photo is included to show how they unfurl as they grow upwards.

The stub of an Ostrich Fern plant. This is what overwinters,  and the new fronds sprout from this in the spring.

The classic leaf shape of the Ostrich Fern

Cinnamon Fern
(Osmundastrum cinnamomeum) Cinnamon ferns occur naturally in moist, boggy areas near streams and on shaded ledges. Cinnamon ferns generally grow in clumps two to three feet tall, but have been known to reach heights of five feet if given constant moisture. The cinnamon fern receives its name from the small, younger fronds, which start out bright green before turning cinnamon in colour. These smaller fronds give striking contrast to the larger, deep green fronds.
Cinnamon ferns, like most ferns, prefer areas that are shady, but will also grow in full sun if sufficient moisture is provided. Cinnamon ferns should be planted in loamy woodland soil under the shade of a tree to mimic the natural environment of this plant. Unlike some other ferns, the cinnamon fern will tolerate flooding, and is capable of growing in wet, submerged soil.White-tailed deer and other animals commonly eat the small fiddleheads of the cinnamon fern. When boiled, these small fronds are also edible to humans, though few people actually eat them. Like other ferns, cinnamon ferns have rhizomes, which are a type of underground stem that spreads and grows new plants. This is one of the ways that the cinnamon fern propagates.
Cinnamon ferns are very valuable to the ecosystem. They provide cover and shelter to many small animals, such as squirrels, birds, snakes and insects. Cinnamon ferns are also known to grow and thrive alongside certain other types of plants. These include red maple and white oak trees, high bush blueberry, wild strawberry and greenbrier.