About the Royal Fern :
The Royal Fern, Osmunda regalis, is a tall,
deciduous fern which usually occurs on moist bluffs
and ledges and along streams (sometimes growing in
the water). Royal Ferns typically grows in clumps to
2-3' tall, but with constant moisture can reach 6'
in height. The 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.
The Royal Fern is also known as the Flowering
Fern and is deciduous. 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. The Royal
Fern is an excellent selection for wet areas along
ponds, streams, water gardens or in bogs. It also
grows well in shaded borders, woodland gardens, wild
gardens or native plant gardens.
