Licorice Fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza)

Licorice Fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza) is a perennial fern native to North America, known for its aromatic, sweet-tasting rhizome that resembles licorice. It thrives in shaded forest environments, attaching to tree trunks and rocks. The fern features delicate, lacy fronds that are green and arching, creating a graceful appearance. Its rhizomes have traditional medicinal uses, including soothing coughs and digestive issues. As an epiphyte, it relies on other plants for support rather than soil, and it plays a role in forest ecosystems by providing habitat and stabilizing moisture in its environment.