
Osmunda spectabilis, Royal Fern
Photo © 2015 Elaine Mills
Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic)
This native fern, one of North America’s largest, is frequent to common in moist woods through much of the Mid-Atlantic Region. Previously known as Osmunda regalis, its unique fronds are cut into large rounded leaflets. Another common name “flowering fern” refers to its tassel-like fertile clusters.