Description

Licorice Fern – polypodium glycyrrhiza

The licorice fern is a small to medium-sized herb that can be found along the west coast of North America in low elevation forests. They prefer partial to full shade and although they love moist conditions, they require well draining soil. This perennial can be characterized by its elongated, pointed evergreen leaflets and can often be found growing on deciduous tree trunks, rocks, and mossy ground. 

The rhizome, an underground stem, is a reddish-brown colour with a sweet, licorice-flavoured, and edible portion that was often used among first nations. They can be chewed raw or used in tea to treat colds and sore throats. 

Yellow-brown dots distributed under the leaflet are sori— spore-containing sacs used for reproduction. Spores can be collected in late fall and spring and should be kept in a moist environment covered by a thin layer of soil.

Height: 0.10-0.60m

Edible: Y

Medicine:  Y

Other Uses: N

Poisonous: N

Soil: Moist, well-draining

Watering: moderate to dry

Sun: part to full shade

Usually found at: Low elevation forests

Pollinators & wildlife: Not sought out by wildlife as a food source

Ornamental: 

Leaves: Long triangular fronds up to 50 cm long are divided into leaflets with smooth edges

Flowers: None

Berries: None

First Nations uses: Was eaten for its sweet licorice flavour and used raw or dried to treat colds and sore throats

 

Note: Native plant sales are pick-up only at Suwa’lkh School (1432 Brunette Ave in Coquitlam). Email suwa’lkh@freshroots.ca for more information.