Trending: licorice fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza) — 59 observations this week
iNaturalist Community
Phenology
Licorice fern grows on mossy rocks and tree trunks in forests and parks many people walk through — knowing it's being actively tracked means scientists and land managers get better data on where healthy, moist habitats still exist.
Licorice fern is a small, graceful fern that gets its name from the sweet, licorice-like taste of its roots. This week, nearly 60 people spotted and photographed it out in the wild and submitted their sightings to a nature-tracking app. That kind of community effort helps build a real-time map of where this fern is thriving, which tells us something about the health of the wet, shaded forests it calls home.
Key Findings
59 research-grade observations of licorice fern were recorded in a single week on iNaturalist.
Licorice fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza) is currently among the most observed plant species on the platform, indicating a seasonal activity peak likely tied to its winter-green growth cycle.
The volume of verified, research-grade sightings suggests strong citizen scientist engagement, contributing usable data points for distribution and phenology studies.
chevron_right Technical Summary
Licorice fern is having a standout week on iNaturalist, with 59 research-grade observations logged by citizen scientists. This surge in sightings highlights growing public engagement with native ferns across their Pacific Northwest and western North American range.
Abstract Preview
licorice fern is among the most observed plant species this week with 59 research-grade observations.
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Species Mentioned
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Polypodium glycyrrhiza, commonly known as licorice fern, many-footed fern, and sweet root, is a summer deciduous fern native to northwestern North America, where it is found in shaded, damp locations.