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Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

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Polypodium glycyrrhiza (Licorice fern)
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.

 

From the Image Gallery

3 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb , Fern
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Size Notes: Fronds up to about 30 inches long.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Not Applicable
Bloom Notes: Not a flowering plant. Reproduces by spores.

Distribution

USA: AK , AZ , CA , ID , OR , WA
Canada: 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 Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Moist soils.

Propagation

Description: Divide the rhizome or propagate by spores.
Commercially Avail: yes

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 Plants
FNA: Find Polypodium glycyrrhiza in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Polypodium glycyrrhiza

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-02-23
Research By: TWC Staff

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