Image by James St. John

Cinnamon Fern

Cinnamon ferns are a commonly found fern growing across New England along streambanks and in wetlands and can be found in the fossil records dating to the Late Cretaceous (73 million years ago).

The cinnamon fern is the only member of its genus in existence. In its ecosystem it offers habitat for cooperative interactions with fungi, reduces pollutants commonly found in water, and contributes to carbon cycling. Its roots have been used as a medicinal relief for rheumatoid arthritis by the Abenaki and Menominee.

What do you love about this particular creature?
What do they reveal to you about God and our faith?

Quietly deepening their roots in marshes and along riverbanks, cinnamon ferns bring to my mind the ways that God moves through the world as an often unseen healer. Their presence holds down soil and cleanses water.

This consistent presence of healing by virtue of their very existence, brings to my mind how each of us in our own way is called to build up the communities we find ourselves in for the glory of God.

Author - The Rev. Rachel Field

The Rev. Rachel Field is a priest and farmer living in Central Vermont and loves watching the chickadees play in the hemlocks.

God of marshes and edges, you work through all things for the liberation of life. Bless the work of cinnamon ferns, who build up your creation by purifying water and cycling carbon. They have been steadfastly singing your praises for millions of years. Bless them, protect them, and weave us together in harmonious companionship that this whole earth may glorify you. Amen.