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Cressler, Alan
Polypodium glycyrrhiza
Polypodium glycyrrhiza D.C. Eaton
Licorice Fern
Polypodiaceae (Polypody Family)
Synonym(s): Polypodium vulgare ssp. occidentale, Polypodium vulgare var. commune, Polypodium vulgare var. occidentale
USDA Symbol: POGL8
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), CAN (N)
The evergreen fronds of this fern arise from a licorice-flavored rhizome and are downward arching from their home on trunks, logs & rocks. The pinnae are simple and pointed at the tip. Fronds are from 12-30 in. long. The branching rhizomes are often exposed and are effective tumbling over rocks and logs.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb , Fern
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Size Notes: Fronds up to about 30 inches long.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Not ApplicableBloom Notes: Not a flowering plant. Reproduces by spores.
Distribution
USA: AK , AZ , CA , ID , OR , WACanada: BC
Native Distribution: Chiefly near the coast from AK to c. CA
Native Habitat: Tree trunks; mossy logs & rocks; moist banks
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Moist soils.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Polypodium glycyrrhiza in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Polypodium glycyrrhiza in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Polypodium glycyrrhiza
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-23Research By: TWC Staff