Royal fern Osmunda regalis 'Cristata'
ABOUT
Osmunda regalis 'Cristata', commonly known as the royal fern, is distinguished by its regal and luxuriant foliage that conveys an impression of elegance and grace. This variety showcases a unique crest-like feature at the tip of its fronds, a characteristic from which it earns its name, giving this fern a distinctive and ornate appearance. The fronds themselves bear a lush green color, and their bipinnate, or double pinnate, structure means each frond consists of several smaller leaflets arrayed along a central stem, much like a feathery ladder. The effect is a delicate, finely dissected texture that provides a touch of softness to the landscape. The royal fern's growth habit forms a bushy, clumping shape, with fronds emerging in a fountain-like manner from its base. The plant is also known for its fiddleheads—the young, tightly coiled new growth that emerges in the spring, offering a contrasting color, typically a brighter green or sometimes a bronzy hue. As the season progresses, the fiddleheads unfurl, revealing the regal fronds that give this fern its majestic connotation.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Osmundaceae
Synonyms
Royal Fern, Flowering Fern, King Fern, Queen Fern
Common names
Osmunda cristata, Osmunda regalis var. cristata.
ToxicityTo humans
The Royal Fern, typically, is not considered toxic to humans. However, as with any plant, some individuals may experience mild irritation or allergic reactions if they have specific sensitivities. Ingestion of plant parts is not known to cause serious poisoning or adverse health effects in humans. It is generally recommended to avoid consuming parts of ornamental plants due to the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort or unknown reactions.
To pets
The Royal Fern is not known to be toxic to pets. There is no common evidence suggesting that ingestion of this plant poses serious health risks to domestic animals like cats and dogs. As with humans, pets should not be encouraged to eat ornamental plants, as they may cause stomach upset or an allergic reaction in sensitive pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Fern
Hardiness zones
3-11
Native area
Europe, Africa, Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: Osmunda regalis 'Cristata', commonly known as the Royal Fern, adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its distinctive, arching fronds and striking, upright habit.
- Wildlife habitat: The Royal Fern provides shelter and breeding grounds for various wildlife species, including insects and birds.
- Shade tolerance: It is well-suited for shady areas in the garden where other plants may struggle to grow.
- Water garden suitability: This fern can thrive in moist to wet soils, making it an ideal choice for water gardens or alongside streams and ponds.
- Erosion control: Due to its robust root system, the Royal Fern can help prevent soil erosion, particularly in damp environments.
- Low maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Seasonal interest: It offers year-round interest with its lush green fronds in spring and summer, which turn to attractive yellow or brown in autumn.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Osmunda regalis, or the royal fern, has been used as a natural dye. The roots of the plant can produce a warm brown color often utilized in the textile industry.
- The fibers from the royal fern can be used in basketry. Traditional craftspeople value these strong natural materials for their durability.
- Young fiddleheads of the royal fern are sometimes harvested and used as a vegetable in some cultures, usually cooked in a similar fashion to asparagus.
- The plant has historic uses in the tanning industry, where its tannins have been extracted to help in the processing of leather.
- Landscape architects use royal ferns to create 'green walls' or vertical gardens, as they can thrive in shady, moist conditions often found in these installations.
- In bonsai cultivation, Osmunda regalis can be used as a growth substrate because it holds moisture well and allows for air circulation.
- During historical times, the Royal Fern has been used as bedding for both humans and domestic animals due to its soft fronds and believed ability to deter fleas.
- Some artists and papermakers incorporate fern fronds into handmade paper for a unique, textured look often sought after for special occasions or artistic projects.
- It’s used in floristry as a decorative element. Its dramatic fronds add height and a touch of elegance to floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Education and research institutions may use the royal fern in studies related to evolutionary biology, as ferns are an ancient group of plants with distinctive life cycles.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Royal Fern is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Royal Fern is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Fertility: Osmunda regalis 'Cristata', commonly known as the Royal Fern, often symbolizes fertility due to its lush and verdant fronds that resemble the fertility of nature's landscapes.
- Protection: In some cultures, Royal Ferns are believed to have protective qualities, potentially driven by the plant's hardiness and its ancient presence on earth, giving it an almost guardian-like status in the plant kingdom.
- Secretiveness: The intricate fern fronds that tightly unfurl can be symbolic of new beginnings or hidden secrets, as ferns are known to have a complex structure that reveals itself slowly as it grows.
- Rebirth and Renewal: The cyclical nature of ferns losing old fronds and growing new ones is often seen as a symbol of rebirth and renewal, reflecting the perpetual cycles of life and nature.
- Ancient Wisdom: Being part of one of the oldest groups of plants on earth, Royal Ferns can represent the connection to ancient wisdom and the passage of time through the ages.
WaterThe Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis 'Cristata') prefers consistently moist soil, so it is important to water it thoroughly. Water the plant deeply about once a week, providing about 1-2 gallons of water per session to ensure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. During the hotter seasons or in particularly dry conditions, you may need to water the Royal Fern twice a week to maintain optimal moisture. Reduce watering frequency to every other week during the winter months when the plant is not actively growing. It's crucial to avoid letting the soil dry out completely, which can cause stress to the plant.
LightThe Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis 'Cristata') thrives in partial to full shade, avoiding direct sunlight. The best spot for this fern is in a location that receives dappled sunlight or light filtered through a canopy of taller plants or trees. It can also do well in a north-facing garden or on the shady side of a building, where the light is even and indirect throughout the day.
TemperatureThe Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis 'Cristata') grows best in temperatures between 60 to 70°F. It can tolerate a range from 50°F at night to a maximum of around 75°F during the day. Ensure it is protected from extreme cold and frost, as it may not survive temperatures below 45°F. During winter, it's especially important to keep the plant away from cold drafts and freezing conditions.
PruningPruning the Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis 'Cristata') is mainly for removing dead or yellowed fronds to maintain its attractiveness and prevent potential disease. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning can be done annually to tidy up the appearance of the plant and encourage healthier, more vibrant fronds in the coming growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis 'Cristata') thrives in a soil mix that is rich in organic matter. A blend consisting of equal parts loam, peat, and decomposed leaves or pine needles works well. The optimal pH range for the Royal Fern is slightly acidic to neutral, around 5.5 to 7.
RepottingRoyal Fern (Osmunda regalis 'Cristata') typically needs repotting every 2 to 3 years to prevent it from becoming root-bound and to replenish its soil. The best time to repot is in the spring, just before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingRoyal Fern (Osmunda regalis 'Cristata') prefers high humidity levels, ideally between 60% and 80%. Although it can tolerate lower humidity, consistently high humidity helps in maintaining lush, healthy fronds.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and high humidity for Royal Fern.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, moist soil, and shelter from wind for Royal Fern.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleOsmunda regalis 'Cristata', commonly known as the Royal Fern, begins its life as a spore, which germinates to form a tiny, heart-shaped gametophyte (prothallus). The gametophyte houses both male and female reproductive organs that, when conditions are moist, allow for fertilization to occur, leading to the development of a new sporophyte—the fern we recognize. This sporophyte emerges as a single frond that gradually unfurls and grows through the process of elongation. As the Royal Fern matures, it develops a clumping habit with erect fronds reaching up to 6 feet tall in ideal conditions, showing distinctive broad pinnae with a crispy-looking crest, giving it the 'Cristata' designation. Each frond eventually produces clusters of sporangia, typically on the underside, which are structures that contain the spores. When mature, these spores are released into the air to find a suitable damp environment to start the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Royal Fern 'Cristata', scientifically known as Osmunda regalis 'Cristata', can be propagated effectively through spore collection and sowing. The best time to collect spores is when they ripen in late summer, typically from July to August. To propagate the Royal Fern using spores, one should carefully collect the spore-laden fronds as soon as the spores are ripe. These fronds are then placed in a paper bag to dry, allowing the spores to be easily shaken out once the fronds have become crisp. The spores can be sown on the surface of a sterilized peat-based or fine-grade compost mix in shallow trays. It is crucial to maintain high humidity and a temperature around 70°F (approximately 21°C) for optimal spore germination. Covering the sown spores with a plastic dome or glass can help retain the necessary humidity. The Royal Fern spores generally take a few weeks to several months to germinate, and once the sporelings are large enough, they can be pricked out and grown on in individual pots.
