licorice fern
Polypodium glycyrrhiza
USDA zones4 to 9
SunHandles partial sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size12 inches tall
- Habit
- Herb , fern
- Bloom season
- Spring, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Not applicable
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, chalk
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Licorice fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza) is a fern for borders, low maintenance gardens, and ground cover. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and average to moist, sandy, loamy, or chalky soil. The evergreen fronds grow 12 to 30 in. long and arch downward from a licorice-flavored rhizome. Deer tend to pass it by. The branching rhizomes often show and look good tumbling over rocks and logs.
Pairs well with Rainbow's End hosta, Chocolate lily, and Dropmore Scarlet honeysuckle.
Native range
AK, AZ, CA, ID, and 2 more places. See all 6
AK, AZ, CA, ID, OR, and WA; BC.