Royal fern
| Botanical Name | Osmunda regalis |
|---|---|
| Family | Osmundaceae |
| Origin | Europe, West Asia, Africa, India, North and South America |
Identification
Royal fern is a deciduous fern whose rhizomes form a short woody trunk, bearing large fronds of over 2m long and 750mm wide. The yellow-green fronds are feather-like, being subdivided twice. Fertile fronds are produced separately from the centre of the fern. The tips of these fronds form a mass of sporangia which is green, turning red, then rusty brown after the spores are released. From a distance, this looks like a flower spike, explaining it old name of ‘flowering fern’. Plants die back to the woody trunk in winter.Habitats
Prefers acidic swampy soil and full sun to partial shade. Grows well under a light canopy of willows or manuka.Impact to Biota and Ecosystems
Forms dense stands, excluding lower growing species and preventing native regeneration.Dispersal Routes, Vectors, Infestation Sources
Wind born spores.Management
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Management |
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| Physical Control |
Removing the top of the plant to below the white living stem tissue appears to be successful. |
| Disposal |
Ensure all large cut portions of truck containing living stem tissue are not in contact with damp or boggy soils as they will re-grow. |
| Chemical Control |
Glyphosate 100ml/10L water plus 20ml organo-silicone penetrant. Asulam (Asulox) can be successful if applied in late November. Later spraying with Asulam when the fronds have hardened is not effective |
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Biological Control |
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| Recommended Approach | |
Further Comment
This plant is prohibited from propagation, sale and distribution within New Zealand!