Cinnamon fern meadow near St. Mary's River, Nova Scotia

© Irwin Barrett/Design Pics/Alam

A Fall show-stopper. Cinnamon fern

This vibrant explosion of gold, orange, and red is a testament to the natural beauty surrounding us. As the days get shorter this time of the year, the production of Chlorophyll in leaves gets lower. This causes the leaves to lose the green shade and unveil their natural colour. Pictured here is a meadow of cinnamon fern. Often found in swampy areas, they are usually about three inches tall. However, with abundant moisture, cinnamon fern can peak at six inches in height. Given their large fronds and vigorous growth, this plant provides small mammals with protection and is also used as nesting material for birds.