Question: This plant, which I assume is a fern, grows in a shaded wetland on my property in Granville, MA. It …
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Question
This plant, which I assume is a fern, grows in a shaded wetland on my property in Granville, MA. It has a vertical, vase-shaped habit. The clumps grow in rings several feet in diameter. In the spring, the crosiers and stalks are chocolate brown, changing to green as they unfurl and grow. Some of the stalks appear to be fruiting on top (see second photo). It is not evergreen. The only fern pictured in Go Botany that resembles it is the glade fern. Perhaps you could help identify it?
Answer
Dear Introvertigo, good afternoon. The plant you have photographed is Osmunda spectabilis (American royal fern). It is a common, native inhabitant of wetlands in New England. Most references will have it listed as Osmunda regalis, but that is a fern species of a different continent (which we know now due to recent study). Best wishes.
