Flowering Fern
Osmunda regalis (os-MUN-dah ree-GAY-liss)
Flowering fern is an herbaceous perennial fern with an arching habit. It is in the royal fern family (Osmundaceae) and is native to Europe, Africa and Asia. Broad fronds have large, well-separated pinnae (leaflets) which give this fern an airy appearance. Place flowering fern where it will receive partial shade or dappled sunlight. It prefers moist, rich, humus-rich, acidic soils, but adapts to lesser conditions. In the wild, it grows on moist bluffs, ledges, along streams and sometimes in standing water. In climates with cool summers, it can tolerate close to full sun as long as it is given consistent moisture. It may reach 5 to 6 feet high and 2 to 3 feet wide. The fronds typically turn yellow to brown in autumn. This fern’s spores are located in brown, tassel-like, clusters at the tips of the fronds, thus giving rise to the common name of flowering fern, though it does not truly flower. Fiber used in the potting of epiphytic orchids comes from the fibrous roots of these ferns. Ferns provide excellent shelter for small animals and birds and are seldom damaged by deer. Use the flowering fern as an accent or in a mass planting in naturalized, woodland, riparian or near septic areas. It is also at home in rain or water gardens. Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems : No significant problems. VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 42 attributes.