Lowland Forest-Royal Fern

Royal Fern

Order: Poylpodiales

Family: Osmundaceae

Genus: Osmunda

Species: O. regalis

General Characteristics: The Royal Fern is typically grown in clumps to 2-3' tall, but with constant moisture can reach 6' in height. Broad fronds have large, well-separated pinnae (leaflets) which give this fern an almost pea-family appearance. Fronds typically turn yellow to brown in autumn. Spores are located in brown, tassel-like, fertile clusters at the tips of the fronds, thus giving rise to the additional common name of flowering fern for this plant. Osmunda fiber used in the potting of orchids comes from the fibrous roots of these ferns.

Special Characteristics: Ferns grow mostly in lightly shaded to full shade areas. They prefer moist, richhumus soil with a slightly acidic pH (5.3 to 5.5 pH range).