Osmunda regalis
Royal Fern
General
Grows best in wet or constantly moist acidic soils. This fern has an attractive growth form, despite not having a classic fern shape.
Plant Description
Grows in clumps. Fronds look similar to locust and other members of the pea family. Fertile fronds look just like sterile fronds, but with the tips of the frond reduced into a brown spike. This “crown” is what gives this species the name royal fern.
Height (ft)
2-4', sometimes to 6'
Soil moisture
Wet
Soil types
Coarse to fine mineral or organic soils
Wetland indicator
OBL
Shade tolerance
Tolerant, Partial to Full Shade
Anaerobic tolerance
Medium
Drought tolerance
Low
Salinity tolerance
None
Range
Spans from the northeastern states, including Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York, down through the Appalachian Mountains into states like Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and North Carolina. It can also be found in parts of the Midwest, including Michigan and Wisconsin, where suitable wetland habitats exist.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]
Additional Information
According to BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database, this species has been used by the Iroquois in decoctions for convulsions, to "strengthen the blood", and for chronic conditions.