Polypodium glycyrrhiza (many-footed fern, sweet root), commonly known as licorice fern, is an evergreen fern native to western North America. They thrive in a humid climate, prevailing in areas with cool and moist summers and warm and wet winters. Found at elevations <2000 feet It grows primarily in a narrow strip in southern Alaska, southwestern Yukon Territory, western British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California, though two highly disjunct populations are known from Idaho and Arizona. It can often be found growing on the trunks and branches of deciduous trees, particularly bigleaf maple. The fern can also be found on rocks, logs, and wet, mossy humus. Licorice fern acquires its name from its licorice-flavored rhizome, which was chewed for flavor by numerous Native American groups, including the Swxw7mesh, Shishalh, Comox, Nuxalk, Haida, and Kwakwaka'wakw. The rhizomes were also usually used medicinally as a treatment for the cold and sore throats. Reproduction and life cycle: Uses its spores on the underside of its leaves, releasing them in cool weather and high humidity.
