Skip to content

Royal Fern

Osmunda Regalis

Design with this plant

Overview

The Royal Fern, Osmunda regalis, renowned for its majestic appearance, thrives in damp, shaded areas. It reaches a height of 2-3 feet with fronds unrolling to 5-6 feet. The fern favors acidic soils and requires moderate maintenance. Its striking, bright green fronds turn golden in fall, providing a year-round visual interest. Ideal for woodland gardens, it adds a regal touch to shade gardens and naturalized areas.

Sun Deep Shade, ShadeWater HighZones 3–9Climate Temperate
Royal Fern (Osmunda Regalis) — This regal fern can attain a height of 2 to 3 feet and a spread of 2 to 3 feet

Culture

Sun
Deep Shade, Shade
Water
High
USDA zones
3–9

Shape & size

Mature height
2–3 Ft.
Mature width
2–3 Ft.

Classification

Family
Osmundaceae
Climate
Temperate

See full data, regional cultivation notes, full-resolution photos, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (103)

Royal Fern (Osmunda Regalis) — It flourishes in dappled shade to full shade conditions; distinct with their tassel-like, image 102
Royal Fern (Osmunda Regalis) — distinct with their tassel-like; is a remarkable and stately fern species that exudes an aura of elegance and, image 99
Royal Fern (Osmunda Regalis) — rusty-brown spore-bearing pinnae located at the tip; making it a perfect addition for woodland gardens or alongside, image 100
Royal Fern (Osmunda Regalis) — preferring consistently moist; it reaches a height of 2-3 feet with fronds unrolling to 5-6 feet, image 101
Royal Fern (Osmunda Regalis) — making it a perfect addition for woodland gardens or alongside streams where the soil remains damp; the Royal Fern, image 103
Royal Fern (Osmunda Regalis) — which unfurl in a bright chartreuse hue before maturing to a deep; ancient greenery that has adorned the earth for, image 98
Royal Fern (Osmunda Regalis) — This regal fern can attain a height of 2 to 3 feet and a spread of 2 to 3 feet; rusty-brown spore-bearing pinnae, image 97

Related plants

Cinnamon Fern (Osmundastrum cinnamomea) — is a native perennial boasting impressive green fronds reaching 2-5 feet in height

Cinnamon Fern

Osmundastrum cinnamomea

Deep Shade · Zones 3–9

Clayton's Fern (Osmunda Claytonia) — deciduous fronds with distinctive leafless segments

Clayton's Fern

Osmunda Claytonia

Deep Shade · Zones 3–8

Cinnamon Fern (Osmundastrum Cinnamomea) — is a robust perennial fern up to 5 feet tall

Cinnamon Fern

Osmundastrum Cinnamomea

Deep Shade · Zones 3–9