Walking through the forests of the Pacific Northwest, one of the most profound feelings you get is one of abundance. Life is everywhere, especially plant life. Not only do the forests teem with trees and shrubs, but the fallen logs and tree bark also play host to many forms of life. Mosses love to grow here, and they grow everywhere: on the ground, on tree branches, and on tree bark. Under the thick layer of moss another habitat forms, and this rich, moist habitat is home to other epiphytic plants, including the licorice fern.
The Licorice Fern is Beautiful
The licorice fern has a single, arching frond that makes its way out of damp moss. For those looking to identify the fern, the frond is a long triangle that is generally less than 12 inches long. The pinnae or smaller leaflets on the frond alternate along the stem, giving a zigzag look to the fern.
The Licorice Fern is Edible
The licorice fern seems to have an odd name, until you research it more closely. This fern is also called Polypodium glycyrrhiza, and it has a long root that often moves sideways through moss or soil. When it is peeled, the long root of the fern is edible. It has a very strong taste of black licorice, followed by a pungent earthy flavor. Unfortunately, harvesting the root means that the plant will die, so it is important to be very selective about any harvest. Always check with a local naturalist before eating any plant.
Growing Licorice Ferns in the Wetland Garden
Like all ferns, licorice ferns need wet conditions to grow. They are not happy in dry summers, and often shrivel up, going dormant until the fall rains come. If you plan to grow licorice ferns in your garden, situate them beside a stream or in the spray of a waterfall, where they will receive plenty of indirect water. Do not place them in full sun. Licorice ferns need damp roots, so plant them in an area where the soil is soft, damp, and rich. If you can find a piece of old wood that has not been treated, place this under the ferns so that they can use this rotting wood as a substrate. The wood holds plenty of moisture, and the ferns love this.
Licorice ferns may be available on special order from Pacific Northwest-based plant nurseries. Never harvest ferns from parkland.
Licorice Ferns and Other Forest Plants
Licorice ferns get along well with other forest plants. In the forests of the Pacific Northwest, they are often found on Bigleaf Maple trees (Acer macrophyllum). These trees grow a thick layer of moss on their bark, and this makes the perfect home for the ferns. Licorice ferns, mosses, and lichens also have a mutually beneficial relationship. When licorice ferns are located in the soil, they help hold it together, providing a substrate for mosses and lichens. Mosses also create a damp, humus-rich environment that suits the licorice ferns.
The licorice fern is one of the most beautiful epiphytic plants of the Pacific Northwest. Like the maiden hair fern, it loves to have damp roots. Enjoy this gorgeous and delicious fern in a wetland or stream side garden.
Tricia Edgar - Tricia Edgar is a gardener, environmental educator, and science writer from the Pacific Northwest.
Join the Conversation