Licorice Fern
Polypodium glycyrrhizafam. Polypodiaceae
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Pl. BD23 — Polypodium glycyrrhiza
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IOverview
Overview
Licorice Fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza) is a deciduous fern native to the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, extending as far south as California and eastward into Idaho and Kamchatka. This plant thrives in moist environments with partial sun to full shade, making it adaptable to various forested areas. Known for its edible roots, which have a sweet, licorice-like flavor, it is often sought after by foragers. Its distinctive features include fronds that are typically 0.5 meters tall and light green in color, adding a touch of natural beauty to the understory of forests where it grows.
Quick answers
What is Licorice Fern?
Licorice Fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza) is a deciduous fern native to the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, extending as far south as California and eastward into Idaho and Kamchatka. This plant thrives in moist environments with partial sun to full shade, making it adaptable to various forested areas.
What is Licorice Fern used for?
Traditionally used for digestion, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Licorice Fern
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Licorice Fern has been traditionally used in Native American medicine for digestive issues, often prepared as a decoction to soothe the stomach and aid digestion.
The mechanism is not fully characterised but may involve compounds similar to those found in other fern species that have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Licorice Fern is traditionally used to support the immune system, often prepared as a tea or decoction during cold and flu season.
The mechanism is not fully characterised but may involve compounds with antioxidant properties that help modulate the immune response.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Licorice Fern support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Licorice Fern thrives in partial sun to full sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows well in zones 6-9, making it hardy for temperate regions. Propagate through root division in spring. The plant reaches a height of about 0.5 meters and is native to areas including Alaska, British Columbia, California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Kamchatka. Roots are edible.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Licorice Fern for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple setup to grow Licorice Fern, focusing on basic care and maintenance.
- 1
What you'll need
A small Licorice Fern plant or spores, a pot, well-draining soil, and water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather starts warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay soil with good drainage. Ensure your pot has holes for water to escape.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the Licorice Fern into its new pot gently, making sure not to damage the roots.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Place it in a partially shaded area to acclimate.
- 6
Ongoing care
Place the fern in partial shade and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune any dead or yellowing fronds to maintain a healthy appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, placing in full sun, using heavy clay soil without drainage, and not providing enough shade.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The root of the Licorice Fern is edible and can be prepared in various ways. It is often used raw or dried to add a sweet, licorice-like flavor to foods and beverages. Skip the cooking process for its full potency.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
9 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
9 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 9 native
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Aleutian Is., British Columbia, California, Idaho, Kamchatka, Oregon, Washington, Yukon
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Polypodiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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- Citation
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