Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis)
- Family: Osmunda (Osmundaceae)
- Spores: July-September
- Field Marks: This fern is recognized by its smooth, twice-pinnate, finely toothed leaves and its reproductive structures borne on separate branches from the leaves.
- Habitat: In springs, along creeks, in bogs; also on sandstone ledges.
- Habit: Perennial, evergreen herb with stout rootstocks.
- Stems: Entirely underground.
- Leaves: Twice pinnately divided, up to 3 feet long, smooth; the individual leaflets oblong, finely toothed, at least near the tip, often somewhat asymmetrical at the base.
- Reproductive Bodies: Borne on branches separate from the leaves but arising at the base of the leaves.
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