I remember, as a much younger person, pulling off these ferns, then working to get all the moss and dirt off of them before enjoying their unique flavour.

The licorice fern is a dainty forest dweller primarily found growing on mossy rock faces and the trunks and mossy branches of old-growth trees, sometimes hundreds of feet above the ground in the forest canopy. Licorice ferns are especially abundant on the branches of old big-leaf maple trees as well.

These ferns get their name from the flavour of their rhizomes, which when exposed and nibbled on have a stevia-like sweetness mixed with that taste of black licorice…and dirt. The rhizomes can also be boiled to make a licorice-flavoured tea. Next time you’re in a forest with a lot of moss and maples, keep your eyes peeled for these native coastal ferns. ~ Ancient Forest Alliance

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