Osmunda spectabilis Willd.

Royal Fern

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Royal Fern is a native deciduous perennial in the Royal Fern family (Osmundaceae). It can be found throughout Alabama. Royal Fern occurs in bogs, in seeps, along spring runs, and in low, wet woods. It is a perennial from a stout rhizome covered with black, fibrous roots. The leaves are ovate in outline, 2-pinnate with 5-7 pairs of pinnae. The leaves are stiff with the texture of thick paper. Fertile fronds have the pinnae near the apex greatly reduced and bearing the sporangia. The sporangia are green to blueish green turning tan or reddish brown as they mature. Royal Fern is available from some nurseries, especially those that specialize in ferns or shade garden plants. It prefers a soil that is constantly moist or wet. It will grow in full sun or shade. The fronds of Royal Fern are up to 3 feet in length and occur in large clumps. It is a striking addition to a shade garden or low woodland area.--A. Diamond

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Native OBL (NWPL)

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