You are bidding on ROYAL FERN SPORES - Osmunda regalis .

Royal fern is a cosmopolitan species, and may be the only vascular plant found on all seven continents .

This is a tall, deciduous native fern which usually occurs on moist bluffs and ledges and along streams (sometimes growing in the water) .

Typically grows in clumps to 2-3' tall, but with constant moisture can reach 6' in height.

Broad fronds have large, well-separated pinnae (leaflets) which give this fern an almost pea-family appearance. Fronds typically turn yellow to brown in autumn.

Spores are located in brown, tassel-like, fertile clusters at the tips of the fronds, thus giving rise to the additional common name of flowering fern for this plant.

Osmunda fiber used in the potting of orchids comes from the fibrous roots of these ferns.

Zone: 3 to 9

Height:    35-59 inches - 90-150 cm

Spread:   23-35 inches - 60-90 cm 

Medicinal use of Royal Fern: The root is astringent, diuretic, tonic and vulnerary. It is useful in the treatment of jaundice and removing obstructions of the viscera. The fronds are used to make compresses for external application to wounds and rheumatic joints - for which purposes they are fairly effective. An infusion of the fronds, combined with wild ginger roots (Asarum species) has been used in the treatment of children with convulsions caused by intestinal worms.

Other uses of Royal Fern: The hairs of the plant are mixed with wool and are used in making cloth. The roots are the source of "Osmunda fibre", this was once widely used for potting orchids and other epiphytes.