Royal Fern

Osmunda regalis L.

oz-MUN-da  ree-GAL-liss

Ferns

Explanation of name: Named for the Norse god Osmunder (FNA). Regalis means regal.

Natural range: Eastern U.S. and throughout Florida and far beyond (FNA)

Natural habitat: Shallow swamps, stream banks, wet woods, seepage slopes (TOB), floodplains, cypress swamps, swales (HAE, NE5)

Recognition: Most easily identified by its fertile fronds, which lack leafy pinnae at the ends and are instead bearers of a panicle of brown sporangia (TOB, NE5). If fertile fronds aren’t present, O. regalis may be identified by its large, bipinnate fronds with relatively large pinnules and finely serrulate margins (TOB). Fronds are rosy or reddish when young and mature to green (HAE, OSO). The rhizomes are wiry, fibrous and black, which form a dense mass that can become trunklike and rise up to 60 cm from the ground (TOB). This fern’s mat-like fibrous rhizome was, in fact, the preferred planting medium for orchids and other epiphytes into the mid- 20^th century.

Landscape uses: Over time, Royal Fern will become a huge clump that will make an attractive accent or specimen plant in woodland plantings or near water features. Suitable for a mass planting, Royal Fern could be used to beautify canal banks and retention ponds, or any marshy area in a home landscape. Osmunda regalis prefers a rich, acid, moist soil and will adapt to a variety of light levels from full shade to full sun (NE4). OSO suggests sitting it where it can receive at least a few hours of direct light to promote the best color.