Practical
Plants

Osmunda regalis

Royal Fern

a member of the Osmunda genus in the family Osmundaceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Genus
Osmunda
Height
2 m
Spread
1 m

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[4]. Many ferns also contain thiaminase, an enzyme that robs the body of its vitamin B complex. In small quantities this enzyme will do no harm to people eating an adequate diet that is rich in vitamin B, though large quantities can cause severe health problems. The enzyme is destroyed by heat or thorough drying, so cooking the plant will remove the thiaminase[2].

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The root is astringent, diuretic, tonic and vulnerary[9][12][6]. It is useful in the treatment of jaundice and removing obstructions of the viscera[9]. The fronds are used to make compresses for external application to wounds and rheumatic joints - for which purposes they are fairly effective[12]. 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[8].

Product or use
Astringent
Product or use
Diuretic
Product or use
Tonic
Product or use
Vulnerary

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The hairs of the plant are mixed with wool and are used in making cloth[10][11]. The roots are the source of 'Osmunda fibre', this was once widely used for potting orchids and other epiphytes[4]. Plants can be grown as a ground cover when spaced about 1 metre apart each way[5].

Product or use
Compost
Product or use
Fibre

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Soil surface

Environment

Range
Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to N. Africa, Asia, N. and S. America.
Habitat
Swampy areas, fens and damp woodland[3].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
high
Hardiness
Zone 2+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
very acid, acid, neutral, alkaline
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

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[4]. Division of the rootstock in the dormant season. This is a very strenuous exercise due to the mass of wiry roots[4].

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

An easily grown plant[9][3], it prefers a soil of swamp mud and loamy or fibrous peat, sand and loam[1][9]. Succeeds in most moist soils, preferring acid conditions[4]. 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[4]. Plants are hardy to at least -20°c, they are evergreen in warm winter areas but deciduous elsewhere[4]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[7]. Transplants well, even when quite large[9]. Some named forms have been selected for their ornamental value[3].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

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  2. Schofield. J. J. Discovering Wild Plants - Alaska, W. Canada and the Northwest.

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  3. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books 1991-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30936-9

    ↩1↩2↩3

  4. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7

  5. Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-460-12609-1

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  6. Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books 1983-00-00 ISBN 0-553-23827-2

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  7. Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8

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  8. Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-453-9

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  9. Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  10. Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959-00-00

    ↩

  11. Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974-00-00 ISBN 0094579202

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  12. Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-356-10541-5

    ↩1↩2

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