Osmunda lancea, commonly known as the Lancea Royal Fern, is a perennial herbaceous fern native to moist, shaded forest areas and wetlands in Japan. It is closely related to, and often hybridizes with, Osmunda japonica, resulting in the hybrid O. × intermedia. This fern typically exhibits a clumping growth habit with erect fronds that can reach up to 47 inches (120 centimeters) in height, creating a lush, green presence in the landscape. The fronds are lance-shaped with a bright green color and a delicate texture, adding a unique aesthetic to garden settings.

The Lancea Royal Fern is valued for its graceful foliage and adaptability to wet soil conditions, making it an excellent choice for water gardens, bog gardens, and shaded woodland gardens. It thrives in moist, humus-rich soils with good drainage and prefers partial to full shade. While it is not drought-tolerant, it can withstand temporary flooding. In cultivation, it is relatively low maintenance, requiring little care once established. Gardeners should be aware that ferns do not produce flowers or seeds, but reproduce via spores that are typically found on the underside of the fronds. Osmunda lancea is not known for significant pest or disease issues, but it can suffer from root rot if planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0