Medicinal Monday -A Fern fit for Royalty!

The Osmunda var. spectabilis commonly called the royal fern is not just pretty to look it.  It is one of North America's largest ferns. It is noted for its bold textured light green leather-like leaves that give it a tropical appearance. This hardy fern is used by Native Americans to treat a variety of ailments.

About the Royal Fern

Known for its unique form and texture this tall, robust, deciduous fern changes throughout the seasons. In the early spring wooly hair covered fiddleheads emerge that mature into pink leaves on wine-colored stalks that unfurl into bright green leaves edged with minute teeth. This fern produces both sterile and fertile fronds and, each has very different characteristics. Sterile fronds grow to 3.5 feet long and have up to six pairs of widely separated leaves. The fertile fronds are more upright and develop distinctive tassel-like clusters. These clusters or pinnules are green before maturing into a dark rusty brown after their spores are dispersed.

The leaves are green in the summer and change from yellow to brown in the fall. The Royal fern prefers partial shade and humus-rich consistently moist soil. It is often found in wet forests, bogs, and along streams and lakes.  The Royal Fern can grow up to six feet high and has a spread of three feet. The Royal Fern spreads slowly by rhizomes.

Medicinal Use

Many Native American communities use the Royal Fern for medicinal purposes. For example, the Iroquois make an infusion of the fronds and mix it with wild ginger to treat children with convulsions from intestinal worms. A decoction is given to women for strong menses. The Menominee use the root to treat general ailments and the Seminole use a complex infusion for a variety of chronic conditions. The leaves are also used in a steam bath to treat insanity. 

Did You Know

Another name for the Royal Fern is the Flowering Fern because of its lovely summer flowers. Other names include American Royal Fern, Regal Fern, and King Fern.

The name of the fern, Osmunda is thought to derive from Osmunder, a Saxon name for the god Thor. The species name regalis is from Latin and means royal.

The Royal Fern is a good food source for wildlife. The Osmunda Borer Moth consumes its stems and rhizomes.

This fern is threatened in Iowa and considered exploitable and vulnerable in New York State.

There are no edible uses for this fern and many sources caution against eating this fern. The fiddleheads that this fern produces are considered to be carcinogenic.