Document Actions
Licorice Fern
Polypodium glycyrrhiza or P. vulgare
This evergreen fern is commonly an epiphyte (a plant growing on another plant) of tree trunks and branches. It is often found on Big Leaf Maple trees.
The large round sori (spore case on the underside of the fern) form rows parallel to the midrib of
the leaf.
Native Americans used the sweet licorice flavored rhizomes of this fern to sweeten medicines.
The rhizomes were also used to relieve sore throats and coughs.
Picket fence project