Licorice Fern, Many-Footed Fern, Sweet Root, Polypodium vulgare ssp. occidentale, Polypodium vulgare var. commune, Polypodium vulgare var. occidentale
Native to coastal regions from Alaska to California, Polypodium glycyrrhiza (Licorice Fern) is a semi-evergreen fern forming attractive mats of gracefully arching, triangular, dark green fronds, 10-12 in. long (25-30 cm). The leaves are only once pinnately divided, each leaflet with pointed tips and finely scalloped or toothed margins. Spores are located in round brownish sori on the undersides of the fronds, and are released in cool weather and high humidity. The fronds arise from a licorice-flavored reddish rhizome which was chewed for flavor by many Native Americans. The rhizome was also used as a remedy against colds, coughs, and sore throats. Licorice Fern is commonly found as an epiphyte on winter deciduous trees, although it does also grow on logs, rocks, and the ground as a spreading ground cover. Remaining lush and fresh-looking from fall to spring, Licorice Fern is a summer deciduous fern and dies back to the ground in the dry season. In areas with cool and moist summers and warm and wet winters, it may stay evergreen. Licorice Fern spreads slowly by creeping rhizomes to form a lovely colony. Undemanding, adding charm and personality to gardens, it is often used in moist rock gardens. Perfect for the woodland garden or shady beds.
| Hardiness |
4 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 9 |
| Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A3 |
| Plant Type | Ferns |
| Plant Family | Polypodiaceae |
| Genus | Polypodium |
| Common names | Fern |
| Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Height |
6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Semi-Evergreen |
| Native Plants | United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington |
| Tolerance | Full Shade, Deer |
| Attracts | Birds |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden |
| Hardiness |
4 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 9 |
| Climate Zones | 4, 5, 6, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A3 |
| Plant Type | Ferns |
| Plant Family | Polypodiaceae |
| Genus | Polypodium |
| Common names | Fern |
| Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Height |
6" - 1' (15cm - 30cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Semi-Evergreen |
| Native Plants | United States, California, Pacific Northwest, Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington |
| Tolerance | Full Shade, Deer |
| Attracts | Birds |
| Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden |
How many Polypodium glycyrrhiza (Licorice Fern) do I need for my garden?
| Plant | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|
| Polypodium glycyrrhiza (Licorice Fern) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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