Polypodium glycyrrhiza
D. C. Eaton
Licorice fern
Polypodium glycyrrhiza is a fern that is native to California, and also found elsewhere in North America and beyond.
The blue points on the map indicate observations in Calflora.
Click on the map to view observations within a specific county.
Click on the map to view observations within a specific county.
Jepson eFlora section:
fern
USDA PLANTS group:
Fern
Redwood Forest, Yellow Pine Forest, Mixed Evergreen Forest
[Wikipedia] Flavor, Uses: The specific epithet glycyrrhiza refers to the pronounced licorice flavor of the rhizome. Glykys in Greek means sweet, while rhiza means root. Licorice fern is chewed for flavor by numerous indigenous groups, including the Squamish, Shishalh, Comox, Nuxalk, Haida, and Kwakwaka'wakw. The rhizomes were also usually used medicinally as a treatment for the cold and sore throats. (link added by Mary Ann Machi)
