Polypodium vulgare: Common Polypody

Polypodium vulgare, the Common Polypody or Rock Polypody, is a widespread, evergreen fern native to Europe and Asia, naturalized in parts of North America. It has a creeping rhizome that tastes sweet (licorice-like), producing leathery, deeply lobed, pinnatifid fronds (6-12 inches) that are a rich, matte green. It grows on rocks, walls, tree trunks, and in leaf litter in woods.

Plant Profile

Common Polypody is adaptable, growing in shade to part sun, on well-drained, acidic to neutral substrates. It is excellent for dry stone walls, rock gardens, epiphytic on logs, and as a groundcover in dry shade. The rhizome can be used to flavor drinks. It is tough, long-lived, and low-maintenance. A great native fern for difficult dry, shady spots.