The Autumn is one of five Ferns stamps issued in coils of 3,000 and 10,000 for business users. The same design was released a few months later as a Forever stamp (U.S. #4876).

 

Though it matures to a dark green over the summer, the autumn fern, also known as the Japanese wood fern, is aptly named for the warm copper coloring of its young fronds (leaves).

 

This delicate-looking, moderately sized fern (18 inches tall at most) is actually quite sturdy. It requires shade and prefers well-drained moist soil, but is an otherwise low-maintenance plant, ideal for use in gardens as ground cover.

 

The autumn fern is a favorite in the Western Hemisphere, receiving the Award of Garden Merit in 1993. Each year, the British Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) recognizes a plant that performs well under UK growing conditions without the need for specialized gardening skills. The autumn fern, earning a hardiness rating of “H4,” is the most hardy a plant can be. According to the award guidelines it is certainly a go-to staple for both the veteran and novice gardener.

 

The design of each fern stamp comes from a close-up photograph of a different species. There are five species pictured – autumn, Goldie’s wood, soft shield, Fortune’s holly, and painted ferns. The images were from photographer Cindy Dyer.

 

Value: 49¢ First-class rate

Issue Date: January 27, 2014
City: Kansas City, MO (no First Day ceremony)

Type of Stamp: Definitive
Printed By: CCL Label Inc.
Printing Method: Photogravure
Perforations: Serpentine Die Cut 11 Vertical
Self-Adhesive

Quantity Printed: 9,000,000