Latin for Gardeners
November’s Native Maryland Plant
Osmunda spectabilis Willd.
(os-MUN-duh speck-TAB-ih-liss)
Common Name: Royal Fern, Flowering Fern
Osmunda spectabilis, is a large fern that can be used to great effect in a moist to wet area of a garden. Its leaves emerge in early April, and given time, a mature plant can appear more like a shrub than a fern. This plant stores food in its rhizomatous underground stems allowing it to survive in often difficult conditions such as the over 30-day drought that Maryland is currently experiencing; it can also thrive in full sun if provided enough moisture. Its vertical, above ground root stalk is thick, and overtime it will be wrapped in a tuft of fibrous roots – you may recognize these, as they are often used as a potting medium for orchids.
Royal ferns are dimorphic, they have two distinct fronds: one fertile and the other infertile. The fertile chlorophyll-bearing fronds first appear as dark green. As they mature and split to release their spores, they turn a rusty brown. The infertile fronds are numerous and provide excellent cover for many amphibians and other wildlife. In winter, both fronds will die back and disappear, leaving only a small number of hollow, stiff stalks protruding from a raised clump – if you’re not careful you can easily trip over them!
The royal fern is an excellent companion for many other wet-loving native plants like Soft Rush (Juncus effusus) or Wild hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) – see below. Its bold-textured leaves and flowering fronds add interest and color to a green woodland garden.
Osmunda spectabilis is a member of the royal fern family, Osmundaceae. Like the familiar Cinnamon fern (Osmundastrum cinnamomeum) O. spectabilis has recently undergone a name change based on genetic studies. Previously known as Osmunda regalis or Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis, this fern has been recategorized and is now its own species. O. regalis is restricted to Asia, Africa, and Europe.
NOTE: iNaturalist has made this name change but not all nurseries have recognized the reclassification on their websites or other media.
Royal fern, once established, is a tough plant that can survive prolonged drought. Birds, however, need our help during these long dry spells. Providing a clean water source during fall and winter attracts them to your garden and improves their survival. You’ll find them seeking shade under Osmunda spectabilis in the spring.
Alison Milligan - MG/MN 2013
Watershed Steward Class 7/CBLP
aligmilligan@gmail.com