Osmunda regalis var regalis

Royal fern is a tall, deciduous, North Carolina native fern which usually occurs on moist bluffs and ledges and along streams (sometimes growing in the water). It typically grows in clumps to 2-3′ tall, but with constant moisture can reach 6′ in height. Broad fronds have large, well-separated pinnae (leaflets) which give this fern an almost pea-family appearance. Fronds typically turn yellow to brown in autumn. Spores are located in brown, tassel-like, fertile clusters at the tips of the fronds, thus giving rise to the additional common name of flowering fern for this plant. Osmunda fiber used in the potting of orchids comes from the fibrous roots of these ferns. There is a distinct difference in the appearance of the American and European Royal Ferns. The European strain has fronds that are fuller, taller, and the leaflets are larger and fleshier appearing. In Europe there are old clumping specimens growing next to constant water sources that are ten feet high.