Licorice fern
Polypodium glycyrrhiza

Family: Polypodiaceae

What it is like

A fern. It grows attached to other plants. It grows 30-60 cm high and spreads 30-60 cm wide. It loses its leaves in summer. The rhizomes are shallow and branching. They are yellowish-green and 6 mm thick. The fronds are 35 cm long. They are thin and sword shaped and have 10-20 offset pointed segments.

There are about 75 Polypodium species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows on wet mossy logs and rocks. It suits hardiness zones 6-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Alaska, Australia, Canada, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The root or rhizome has a licorice flavour and is used for flavouring. The roots can be dried and stored. They are eaten as a famine food.

The roots are eaten especially by children.

Edible parts

Root, rhizome

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Polypodium aleuticum A. E. Bobrov.; Polypodium occidentale Maxon; Polypodium vulgare var. occidentale Hook.; Polypodium vulgare subsp. occidentale (Hook.) Hulten;