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Deer Fern “Blechnum spicant” Deer Fern Family (Blechnaceae).  Evergreen, Rosette of numerous pinnate, sterile fronds 6-36″ long.  Erect fertile fronds 15-50″ tall arising from the center, fronds less numerous and the pinnae are farther apart.  Moist areas along the coast and in the mountains.  Photo:  Near Lincoln City, OR 8/21/2010

Licorice Fern “Polypodium glycyrrhiza”,  Polypody Family (Polypodiaceae)  Perennial, plant 6-24″ tall, leaves pinnate (feather like) and the leaflets are arranged alternately, creeping rhizome with a licorice taste.  Common on rocks, logs and trees in Western Or. & Wa. and they are at their best during the rainy season.  Photo:  Elk Rock Garden between Portland and Lake Oswego, OR 1/10/2010

Licorice Fern “Polypodium glycyrrhiza”,  Polypody Family (Polypodiaceae)  Perennial, plant 6-24″ tall, leaves pinnate (like a feather) and the leaflets are arranged alternately, creeping rhizome with a licorice taste.  Common on rocks, logs and trees in Western Or. & Wa. and more noticeable during the rainy season.  

Photo:  Near Rainier, Or. 10/26/2006   © 2006 mkellar