The royal fern prefers moist to wet soils in partial to full shade. It also likes rich, humusy, acidic soils, but adapts to less perfect conditions, such as my woodland garden. The soil there is definitely more sandy, but over time the leaves from the overhead canopy, with some assistance from bacteria and worms, will remedy that. At least that is what I am hoping for.
Like so many other types of fern, Osmunda regalis has both sterile and fertile fronds: Both types are twice divided: the leaflets (pinnae) are divided again into pinnules. The sterile fronds resemble locust leaves. Royal fern can be distinguished from the cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea) by its bipinnate leaves, the fertile ones with clusters of sporangia towards the tips.
Osmunda regalis is found thoughout the world. occurs naturally in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America. In North America, royal fern occurs in moist woods, floodplains, and swamps from Newfoundland west to Saskatchewan and south to Louisiana and Florida.
As with some other fern species, the young shoots of Osmunda regalis are edible and have an asparagus-like taste.
Osmunda regalis framed by foamflower, June 24 2011
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