It is easily identified by its woody trunk-like base, and exceptionally large, airy, and prominently-veined fronds. 

Royal Fern Classification

• Domain: Eukaryota
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Tracheophyta
• Class: Polypodiopsida
• Order: Osmundales
• Family: Osmundaceae
• Genus: Osmunda
• Species: Osmunda regalis
• Varieties: Osmunda regalis var. regalis,  Osmunda regalis var. bransiliensis,  Osmunda regalis var. panigrahiana
• Common Names: Royal Osmund Fern, Common Flowering Fern, King Fern, and Osmund Fern

Nativity and Distribution

Flowering Fern is native to Northern Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. It has also been introduced in other countries like New Zealand and North America, but it is a rare species to observe due to increased drainage of wetlands for purposes of agriculture.

Physical Characteristics

• Leaves: Large, airy fronds, typically 1-2m long 
• Stems: Brown to copper, stout, short rhizomes
• Roots: Fibrous root system

Royal Fern is a perennial, deciduous fern that can grow 1-2m tall. It is easily identified by its woody trunk-like base, and exceptionally large, airy, and prominently-veined fronds. 

Leaves are robust, bipinnate, heavily veined, typically 1-2 m but can grow up to 4m. Each frond divides into 5-9 pairs of about 30cm long with scattered hairs. 

Each pinna has 7-13 pinnules (sterile leaflets) 2-6 cm long, which are oblong, lanceolate, and have a leathery feel. The fronds are reduced to a terminal blade tip with a dense cover of bead-like brown sporangia. 

In their initial growth, younger fronds have brown fuzzy hairs that disappear as they mature, leaving a smoother surface on both sides.

Stems are stout, copper brown, ascending rhizomes that, over time, build up a woody, sometimes trunk-like base, covered with interwoven roots. The persistent, long-lived rhizome is sometimes partially below the soil or at soil level, and that’s where the fronds emerge from crowns or clumps.

Reproduction, Dispersal, and Life Cycle

• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Seeds: Produces spores
• Climate: Temperate and subtropical climates
• Dispersal: Wind

O. regalis is a perennial plant thriving in temperate to subtropical climates in its native range. Like all ferns, it reproduces by spores. 

The sporangia are borne on fertile and densely clustered portions of the fronds. They are released in late spring through summer in many temperate regions. Since they are tiny and light, they are mostly dispersed by the wind. 

When suitable conditions occur, the spores germinate into a sporophyte, which in turn produces the rhizomes, roots, and the first fronds. Over many years, the rhizome base thickens while the fronds die back or are killed by frost in winter. 

The rhizome and rootstock survive the harsh conditions for many years. They not only give rise to new fronds every year, but can also vegetatively regenerate new shoots if broken and planted under the right conditions.

Since the fern prefers marshy, wet, or boggy soils and partial shade, it is commonly located along rivers and lakes and other riparian areas and woodland bogs.

Similar Plants

• Osmunda spectabilis
• Osmunda japonica
• Osmunda lancea

Uses

1. It is an award-winning ornamental fern, valued for its imposing fronds in a variety of gardens.
2. The fibrous roots are used in potting other epiphytic ornamentals such as orchids due to their ability to retain water and provide aeration. 
3. The young shoots are consumed as a vegetable in some cultures.
4. The rhizome is used as traditional medicine for treating fevers, coughs, sore throats, bone fractures, and arthritis pain. 

Impact on Farms and Environment

In agricultural areas, Osmunda regalis may be a concern where the farms are near wetlands. The fern can invade ditches and pond margins, interfering with shading and drainage. However, the spread is typically slow and can be handled before it becomes invasive.

Where it becomes abundant, the fern may outcompete native plant species in riparian lands, negatively impacting local biodiversity. It is listed as an environmental weed in New Zealand, for instance, because it is naturalized and has impacted native wetland ecosystems. 

That said, O. regalis native populations are also steadily declining due to wetland drainings and rhizome overharvesting for medicinal and horticultural use. In North America, for instance, it is a rare observation, and this has been mainly attributed to increased drainage of wetlands for purposes of agriculture.

Control 

• Mechanical control: Cutting before fronds become mature
• Chemical control: Herbicide spot treatments

Digging out the rhizome rootstock and the fronds can be effective for smaller infestations if done right. Ensure all rhizome material is extracted to prevent regeneration. Cutting off the spore-carrying fronds can also limit the spread. 

For larger infestations, spot treatments of aquatic-safe herbicides such as diquat and specific triclopyr formulations are recommended. Apply during spring and summer as active growth occurs for maximum intake. 

Ensure to follow all application instructions to prevent non-target area damage near waterbodies or other important ecosystems.

Sylvia Kiragu

Lead Editor for Insight Weeds.

insightweeds.com/

The post Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern, Flowering Fern) appeared first on InsightWeeds.

It is easily identified by its broad, lance-shaped, bright-green sterile fronds and shorter, brown fertile fronds.

Ostrich Fern Classification

• Domain: Eukaryota
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Tracheophyta
• Class: Polypodiopsida
• Order: Polypodiales
• Family: Onocleaceae
• Genus: Matteuccia
• Species: Matteuccia struthiopteris
• Common Names: Ostrich Feather Fern, Fiddlehead Fern, and Shuttlecock Fern

Nativity and Distribution

Ostrich Fern occurs in Central and Northern Europe, North America, and Northern Asia. It is among the biggest species of fern in North America.

Physical Characteristics

• Leaves: Long, bright green sterile fronds and shorter, brown fertile fronds
• Stems: Green stems attached at a crown
• Roots:  Fibrous root system

Matteuccia struthiopteris is a herbaceous, colony-forming fern that can reach 90-180cm tall. It is the only species in the genus Matteuccia. 

You can identify it by its almost vertical, broad, lance-shaped, bright-green sterile fronds and shorter, brown fertile fronds.

The fronds occur in two forms: green sterile and brown fertile fronds. The green fronds are arching, lance-shaped, about 100-170 cm tall and 20-35 cm wide. They are rapidly tapering at the tip, broadest at the middle, and tapering to the base, resembling ostrich plumes. Fronds bear 30-50 branchlets. 

The lower fronds are erect, lyre-shaped, shorter, 40-65 cm long, and brown in maturity. They emerge in autumn, persist through winter, and release the spores in spring. 

The fronds are borne on green stipes (leaf stalks) attached to a crown. Stems may be covered with short white hairs, but often don’t persist.

Reproduction, Dispersal, and Life Cycle

• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Seeds: Produces spores
• Climate: Temperate climate
• Dispersal: Wind 

M. struthiopteris behaves as a perennial, thriving in temperate climates along the northern hemisphere. It reproduces by spores and vegetative means.

In spring, tightly coiled fiddleheads emerge from the crown. They unfurl gradually, developing into sterile fronds. In autumn, the fern produces additional fronds that are fertile, containing spores. 

The fronds persist through winter and release the microscopic spores in spring that are mostly dispersed by wind to shorter distances.

To quickly propagate over longer distances, the fern primarily spreads vegetatively by producing underground rhizomes. The rhizomes extend laterally, allowing for new crowns to form, which then send up fronds. 

Fiddlehead Fern prefers heavy, moist soil, often in shady or semi-shaded areas. However, it can tolerate sun if moisture is present, but otherwise, full sun and hail can lead to browning. 

It commonly occurs in thickets, woodland understories, swampy riverbanks, and sandbars.

Similar Plants

• Onoclea sensibilis
• Osmundastrum cinnamomea
• Osmunda claytonia

Uses

1. It is widely used in gardens, shade gardens, and rain gardens as an ornamental for its green, feather-like foliage.
2. It is used as a border plant in diverse areas and in the restoration of wetland edges.
3. The fern can assist in soil ero sion control along streambanks and floodplains.
4. The fiddleheads and sprouts are considered a delicacy in North America and Japan, often cooked as a vegetable.
5. The fiddleheads were used in beer production in Norway and as medicine for treating gut parasites in Russia.
6. It is a common food for the larvae of some Lepidoptera species.

Impact on Farms and Environment

M. struthiopteris is not considered a notorious weed in farmlands, but competition is possible for water in riparian lands or low-lying areas. Additionally, it is a host of the fungal mushroom, Woldmaria, which can cause damage to desirable plants. 

In the environment, Ostrich Fern is not a known invasive species, but it has the potential to spread aggressively through rhizomes, with their dense colonies taking over large areas if left unchecked. 

Control

• Mechanical control: Hand-pulling and frequent cutting
• Chemical control: Herbicides like triclopyr and glyphosate

Where Ostrich Fern is undesired, try hand-pulling the rhizomes as they are relatively shallow. Ensure that you remove the entire system, as even small fragments can regenerate into new plants.

Frequent cutting of the fronds can exhaust crown and rhizome reserves over time, leading to its gradual decline. 

For larger infestations, cutting and then applying herbicides like triclopyr and glyphosate can be effective. After cutting the foliage, apply the herbicide on the remaining fronds. You may need to repeat the treatments for the best results. 

Make sure to read the label and follow the application instructions to avoid damaging desired plants.

Sylvia Kiragu

Lead Editor for Insight Weeds.

insightweeds.com/

The post Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich Fern) appeared first on InsightWeeds.