In fall, these fronds turn golden. This fern does best in a shady site with moist soil. Interrupted fern performs best in a shady site with moist soil, but it does better in higher light and drier soil than most ferns. The wiry roots were once aggressively harvested and used as a growing medium for orchids. The plant's smooth fiddleheads develop into bright green fronds.
Royal fern does best in shade or sun and a moist organic soil.
The leathery fronds reach 18 inches in height. This is a durable and unfussy fern that is not overly aggressive and is easy to incorporate into the moist shady garden.