Plant DetailShow Menu

Osmunda regalis

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
os-MUN-dah ree-GAY-liss
Description

Royal fern is a NC native tall, deciduous, native fern in the Osmundaceae family, which usually occurs on moist bluffs and ledges and along streams (sometimes growing in the water).  Typically grows in clumps to 5-6' 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.

It is best grown in medium to wet soils in part shade. It prefers moist, rich, humusy, acidic soils, but adapts to lesser conditions. Also prefers cool summer climates where it tolerates close to full sun as long as given consistent moisture. Full sun exposure is not recommended.

Golden clusters of spore cases appear on the stalks in the summer.

Seasons of Interest: 

  Leaf:   Summer                             

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens. 

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#water garden#rain garden#fern#cover plant#deer resistant#naturalizes#wet soils tolerant#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#deciduous#water garden#rain garden#fern#cover plant#deer resistant#naturalizes#wet soils tolerant#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Osmunda
    Species:
    regalis
    Family:
    Osmundaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Europe, Asia and northern Africa.
    Wildlife Value:
    It provides excellent ground cover for animals and birds.
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    This plant is seldom damaged by deer.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 5 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Fern
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil Drainage:
    Frequent Standing Water
    Moist
    Occasionally Wet
    Available Space To Plant:
    3 feet-6 feet
    6-feet-12 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Description:
    No fruits. This plants reproduces via spores.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Description:
    No flowers.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Pink
    Leaf Feel:
    Soft
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Leaf Type:
    Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
    Fronds
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Other/more complex
    Leaf Shape:
    Rhomboidal
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    The Royal Fern has a binnate blade. The pinnae resemble locust tree leaves with only a few scattered hairs. The fronds are pale pink as they emerge in spring. The pinna not opposite and widely spaced. The pinnule is narrow oblong with blunt or rounded tip. The stipe is rounded with a slightly grooved face. A congested cluster of bead-like sori on fertile pinnae at the tip of fronds.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Naturalized Area
    Near Septic
    Riparian
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Rain Garden
    Shade Garden
    Water Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Mass Planting
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Wet Soil