Around Nanaimo, we usually find licorice fern growing on moss-covered rocks or the moss-covered trunks of bigleaf maples (Acer macrophyllum). Licorice fern is quite small, usually around 10-30 cm tall, and often forms mats or large stands.
Licorice fern photographed in the late fall. The plant often grows on the vertical faces of large rocks. Photo credit: Brewbooks via FlickrLicorice fern growing out of the moss on bigleaf maples (Acer macrophyllum) in the winter. Photo credit: Richard Droker via Flickr Licorice fern in early summer. We almost always find it growing in a carpet of moss. Photo credit: Douglas FraserThe rhizome (“underground” stem) of licorice fern. Leaves and roots emerge from this stem, which remains hidden under the moss where the fern grows. Supposedly, a concoction from the rhizome tastes vaguely like licorice. Photo credit: Kfediuk via Wikimedia Commons In late spring, the underside of licorice fern leaves may carry orange sori – round clusters of tiny spore-bearing structures called sporangia. Photo credit: Richard Droker via FlickrExtreme close-up of sori on the underside of a licorice fern leaf. You can discern the individual sporangia as light green balloon-shaped structures. These sporangia are not ready to release spores yet. As the spores mature, the take on a rusty-orange colour. After that, the sporangia break open and the spores are released to the environment. Photo credit: Douglas Fraser Close-up of a licorice fern leaf. Note how the individual leaflets of the compound leaf are attached to the leaf stalk. The attachment point is broad, and together, the leaflets create a zig-zag pattern near the leaf stalk. Photo credit: Lynda StevensSometimes people get sword fern (Polystichum munitum) and licorice fern mixed up. A closer look at the leaves should clear up any confusion. On sword fern (left) the individual leaflets are attached to the stalk through a narrow attachment point, and the leaf stalk has rusty-coloured scales. On licorice fern (right) the leaflets are attached to the stalk by a broad base, and the leaf stalk is smooth – no scales or flakes. Photo credit: Lynda Stevens
