Detailed information sheet

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Botanical name : Osmunda regalis Family : Osmundaceae Common name : royal fern Also known as : Where is it originally from? : Europe, West Asia, India, Africa, America. What does it look like? : Terrestrial, deciduous fern with short, woody trunk (<1.5 m tall, can grow <1+ m diameter). covered in persistent stalk bases. Yellow-brown leaf stalks have ear-like lobes at base and large, tough, leathery, yellow-green fronds (30-300 x 20-75 cm) divided twice with primary leaflets (pinnae) (up to 30 cm long) and secondary leaflets (20-70 x 8-18 mm), in up to 15 pairs. Inner fronds often have fertile secondary pinnae at their ends (each 30 x 4 mm), densely covered with clusters of light brown spore bodies. Are there any similar species? : No. Why is it weedy? : Tolerates frost, wet, moderate shade, poor and acidic soils. How does it spread? : Spores are widely distributed by wind. What damage does it do? : One of the very few weeds of bogs, royal fern competes with native species for space in specialised niches. Which habitats is it likely to invade? : Wetlands, swamps, streamsides, and damp bare (especially acidic) land. What can I do to get rid of it? : 1. Dig out (all year round). Dry the rootstock and mulch. 2. Spray (spring-summer): metsulferon-methyl 600g/kg (3g/10L). What can I do to stop it coming back? : Bared areas occasionally re-establish. Check for new plants annually.

For more detailed botanical descriptions of weed species, check out the Plant Conservation Network's website at http://www.nzpcn.org.nz/exotic_plant_life_and_weeds/index.asp

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*The chemical control methods in this manual were devised by Department of Conservation staff for Department of Conservation operations and should not be used as a substitute for the pesticide manufacturer's label instructions. The Department of Conservation takes no responsibility for any liability or damage to any person, property or thing which may occur as a result of the use of any pesticide in accordance with the chemical control methods contained on this website.

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