Royal Fern

Osmunda regalis

$20.00 Sold out

| Hardiness Zones 4-10

A fern of stature and quiet nobility, growing where the woods remember water and time moves slow.

Among the native plants of the Eastern forest, few possess the majestic bearing of Osmunda regalis, rightly called the Royal Fern. Found along shaded streambanks, swamp edges, and the moist, humus-rich soils of old hardwood woods, this is a plant not of flash, but of dignity—a presence that calls to mind the long hush beneath cypress knees and tupelo shade.

This native fern, which ranges from Nova Scotia to Florida, carries itself differently than its lacy cousins. Its coarse, twice-pinnate fronds are made up of broad, softly rounded leaflets that look more like the fronds of a woodland locust than the finely filigreed ferns of garden beds. Yet there is great beauty here—an unpretentious, statuesque grace—as if it were a relic from an older flora, unbothered by trend or trim.

Reaching 4 to 6 feet tall, and even taller where truly content, Royal Fern stands among the largest and most robust of all North American herbaceous plants. Alan Armitage once said of it: "Where they are happy, they are some of the biggest, most robust plants around—not just in the fern family, but in all herbaceous plants." And happy it will be, in a garden that offers it what it loves best: dappled light, damp feet, and soil that smells of leaf mold and memory.


Native Range: Eastern North America; also found in parts of Europe and Asia
Foliage: Deciduous; coarse, broad, bipinnate fronds
Notable Traits: Large native fern, deer-resistant, bold texture, long-lived
Garden Uses: Woodland gardens, wetland edges, shady rain gardens, native plantings

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Grown for Success
Propagated at Woodlanders

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Shipping
Expertly packed & shipped in 2-4 biz days

Plant Specs
  • Zones: 4 - 10
  • Sun: Part Shade and Full Shade
  • Soil: Moist, Wet, and Rich
  • Height at Maturity: 3 - 5 Feet
  • Spread at Maturity: 3 - 4 Feet
  • Growth Rate: Fast

Deciduous

Flower/Foliage

Care Info

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

Grown in Aiken, South Carolina

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders here.

Plant Success Tip #1

Unpack Promptly

Carefully unpack your plant as soon as it arrives. Check the roots and soil to ensure they are still moist. If the roots feel dry, lightly mist or water them before proceeding with planting or temporary storage.

Plant Success Tip #2

Acclimate Your Plant

Allow your plant to adjust to its new environment by placing it in a sheltered spot for a day or two before planting, especially if it has traveled a long distance. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures right away.

Plant Success Tip #3

Follow Planting and Care Instructions

Plant your new arrival as soon as possible, following the specific care guidelines provided. If planting outdoors isn’t immediately possible, temporarily pot it in well-draining soil to maintain health until conditions are suitable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.

What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.

What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.

Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.