Wasowski, Sally and Andy
Osmunda regalis L.
Royal fern
Osmundaceae (Royal Fern Family)
The form and texture of this
fern are unique. The fronds are cut twice into large rounded leaflets, resulting in foliage that resembles that of the pea family. Delicate, bright green fronds, often with a silvery cast, are crowned with golden, fruiting
pinnae on wine-colored petioles. Fronds are 2-5 ft. in height and often 18 in. in width. Rootstock elevated up to 6 inches above the soil surface, with black roots extending deep.
Image Gallery:
2 photo(s) available
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Not Applicable
Bloom Notes: Not a flowering plant. Reproduces by spores.
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , IA , KS , KY , LA , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MS , MO , NH , NJ , NY , NC , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , TN , TX , VT , VA , WV , WI , DC
Canada: NB ,
NL ,
NS ,
PE Native Distribution: Nf. to Ont., s. to FL & TX. North America, South America, and western Eurasia. Zones 5 to 11.
Native Habitat: Swamps; marshes; stream banks; moist depressions in savannas & prairies
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N), SPM(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: High
Light Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet , Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Various wet soils. Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay, Limestone-based
Conditions Comments: Tolerates year-round shallow water.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: An accent
fern for the water garden, bog, or pond area
Use Other: Bristly crown of rootstock a source of osmunda fiber, a potting medium for orchids.
Interesting Foliage: yes
2012-10-03
