How much sun does Licorice fern need?

Licorice fern grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Licorice fern bloom?

Licorice fern blooms in August, September, and October.

Where is Licorice fern native?

Licorice fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza) is native to CA, ID, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Licorice fern

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Polypodium glycyrrhiza

Last reviewed: October 2026

Licorice fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza) is a perennial fern native to CA, ID, OR, WA. It blooms in August, September, and October.

Toxicity unknown

Licorice fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

6"–16" H × 8"–12" W

Bloom

Aug, Sep, Oct

Native to

CA, ID, OR, WA

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains North American Deserts

Small deciduous fern with a sweet, licorice-flavored rhizome, often growing as an epiphyte on mossy branches and fallen logs. Active through the wet season and dormant in summer drought.

Growing Licorice fern

Grow Licorice fern in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 6 to 16 inches tall and spread 8 to 12 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Mossy fern mats provide microhabitat for small invertebrates in humid forest understories.

Common questions

How much sun does Licorice fern need?: Licorice fern grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Licorice fern bloom?: Licorice fern blooms in August, September, and October.
Where is Licorice fern native?: Licorice fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza) is native to CA, ID, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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