Ferns of Friday: Royalty

Royal fern (Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis) grows at the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area (ORCA) in moist spots at the western end of preserve on the north side of Oslo Road and on the south side of Oslo Road. We also have seen this fern growing at Cypress Bend Community Preserve along the banks of the St. Sebastian River …

This double pinnate (i.e., twice compound) fern has distinctive fertile fronds, often golden but sometimes orange or red brown, held on wine-colored stalks (petioles). Fertile fronds are borne during the spring.

Its odd pinnate fronds can be up to 2.5′ long and 18″ wide.

Royal fern grows in full sun or partial full shade, as pictured below at the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area …

This fern grows throughout Florida, in the eastern U.S., and in Canada to Newfoundland. Most often it is found in swamps, marshes, and other moist places. It prefers acidic soil and is not salt tolerant.

This elegant and lacy fern can grow to be 3 – 4′ wide and tall. Its growth rate is moderate, and it does not spread vegetatively. It could be a wonderful addition to a home landscape with the right conditions: Moist, acidic soil.