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Summary

Form: Irregular or sprawling, Spreading or horizontal, Upright or erect.

Physical Characteristics

Osmunda regalis is a FERN growing to 2 m (6ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. The seeds ripen from June to August.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

None known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Astringent Diuretic Tonic Vulnerary

The root is astringent, diuretic, tonic and vulnerary[4, 7, 21]. It is useful in the treatment of jaundice and removing obstructions of the viscera[4]. The fronds are used to make compresses for external application to wounds and rheumatic joints - for which purposes they are fairly effective[7]. An infusion of the fronds, combined with wild ginger roots (Asarum species) has been used in the treatment of children with convulsions caused by intestinal worms[257].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Compost Fibre

The hairs of the plant are mixed with wool and are used in making cloth[46, 61]. The roots are the source of 'Osmunda fibre', this was once widely used for potting orchids and other epiphytes[200]. Plants can be grown as a ground cover when spaced about 1 metre apart each way[208].

Special Uses

Ground cover

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Ground cover, Rock garden, Specimen, Woodland garden. An easily grown plant[4, 187], it prefers a soil of swamp mud and loamy or fibrous peat, sand and loam[1, 4]. Succeeds in most moist soils, preferring acid conditions[200]. Requires a constant supply of water, doing well by ponds, streams etc[1]. Plants thrive in full sun so long as there is no shortage of moisture in the soil and also in shady situations beneath shrubs etc[200]. Plants are hardy to at least -20°c, they are evergreen in warm winter areas but deciduous elsewhere[200]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233]. Transplants well, even when quite large[4]. Some named forms have been selected for their ornamental value[187]. Special Features:Attractive foliage, North American native, Naturalizing, Wetlands plant, There are no flowers or blooms.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Spores - they very quickly lose their viability (within 3 days) and are best sown as soon as they are ripe on the surface of a humus-rich sterilized soil in a lightly shaded place in a greenhouse. Keep the compost moist, preferably by putting a plastic bag over the pot. Plants develop very rapidly, pot on small clumps of plantlets as soon as they are large enough to handle and keep humid until they are well established. Do not plant outside until the ferns are at least 2 years old. Cultivars usually come true to type[200]. Division of the rootstock in the dormant season. This is a very strenuous exercise due to the mass of wiry roots[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal
Osmunda asiatica			0.0	-		LMH	SN	M	0	0
Osmunda cinnamomea	Cinnamon Fern	Fern	0.6	4-8	M	LMH	SN	MWe	2	1
Osmunda claytoniana	Interrupted Fern	Fern	0.5	3-7		LMH	SN	MWe	2	1
Osmunda japonica	Zenmai	Fern	1.0	5-9		LMH	SN	MWe	2	0

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Osmunda regalis - L.