Overview
Polypodium vulgare is a matforming ferns in the genus Polypodium, part of the Polypodiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Polypodium vulgare grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. It is low maintenance.
About
Polypodium vulgare, the common polypody, is an evergreen fern of the family Polypodiaceae. The name is derived from Greek poly- ("many") and pous, podos ("foot"). Polypody has traditional uses in cooking for its aroma and sweet taste, and in herbal medicine as a purgative and vermifuge. This species is expansive and highly adapted to many environments. It is native to Albania, Altay, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus and other regions. Mature plants reach roughly 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates alkaline and neutral soils, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and south-facing, north-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Polypodium vulgare
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Polypodium
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
Plant details
Polypodium vulgare size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Ferns
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Polypodium vulgare?
Polypodium vulgare prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Polypodium vulgare need?
Polypodium vulgare is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How big does Polypodium vulgare grow?
Polypodium vulgare reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
More in the Polypodium genus
- Polypodium calirhiza 'Sarah Lyman'polypody 'Sarah Lyman'
- Polypodium cambricum 'Barrowii'Welsh polypody 'Barrowii'
- Polypodium cambricum (Semilacerum Group) 'Carew Lane'
- Polypodium cambricum Semilacerum Group