// SPECIES PROFILE · PERENNIAL · NATIVE

Royal fern

Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis

Royal fern (Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–11b. Mature size 29"–6'.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: perennial
Native range: Native to 35 U.S. states, including AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2b–11b
Mature size: 29"–6'
Sun: Part shade
Water: High · moisture-loving
Bloom: —
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Royal fern (Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis) — *Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis* — Royal fern. Photo by Mason Brock (Masebrock) via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Royal fern (Osmunda regalis var. spectabilis) is a perennial in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–11b. Mature size 29"–6'.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, royal fern pairs naturally with: Broadleaf Arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia), Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium), Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis).