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Royal fern

How to identify Royal fern (Osmunda regalis)

Royal fern, also known as Water fern, Osmund royal, Bog onion, Common flowering fern, Kidney fern, Royal osmund fern, European royal fern

Royal fern is distinguished by its statuesque presence, typically forming clumps reaching 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters) in height. With a profusion of fronds that display large, well-spaced leaflets, it bears a unique resemblance to members of the pea family. As the seasons turn, its fronds undergo a transformation from their verdant summer hue to autumnal shades of yellow and brown. Notably, it bears spore clusters in brown, tassel-like arrangements at the frond tips, a feature lending to its nickname of 'flowering fern.'

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Royal fern

1

Statuesque clumps reaching 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters) in height.

2

Large, well-spaced leaflets resembling pea family members.

3

Seasonal color transformation from verdant green to yellow and brown.

4

Distinctive brown, tassel-like spore clusters at frond tips.

5

Binnate leaves with locust tree leaf-like pinnae, measuring 1-2 feet (30-60 cm).

Royal fernRoyal fernRoyal fernRoyal fernRoyal fern

Detailed Traits of Royal fern

Leaf Features

The leaves of royal fern are binnate with pinnae that resemble locust tree leaves, featuring a few scattered hairs. The fronds are pale pink in spring. The pinnae are not opposite and are widely spaced. Each pinnule is narrow, oblong, and has a blunt or rounded tip. The stipe is rounded with a slightly grooved face. A distinctive feature is the bead-like sori cluster found on the fertile pinnae at the frond tips. Leaves typically measure 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) in length.

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Key Facts About Royal fern

Attributes of Royal fern
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
60 cm to 1.6 m
Spread
30 cm to 40 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Yellow
Red
Brown
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Royal fern

Class
Ferns
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Genus
Osmunda
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Species
Royal fern (Osmunda regalis)
Learn More About the Royal fern

Distribution Map of Royal fern

Royal fern has a broad native range that spans across much of Europe and parts of Northern Africa. It is naturally found in temperate and subtropical regions on these continents. Additionally, royal fern has been introduced and now thrives in various areas, including regions of Oceania and Northern Europe. Furthermore, royal fern is cultivated in suitable habitats beyond its native and introduced ranges.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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