I disturbed a moth while walking across one of the bridges in the wetlands. I was watching it flutter around hoping that it would land nearby so I could get a look at it. It went under the bridge and as I peaked over the edge to see where it went, I saw two licorice ferns growing out of moss underneath the side rail. At the arboretum and probably most of the Willamette Valley licorice ferns are considered summer deciduous. When the dry, hot summer comes, most of these ferns will die back and go dormant. When the rains of fall start, usually in September, they will sprout new leaves that last until next summer. That said, every summer I find a couple here and there that keep growing in shady areas where there is enough moisture. After I found the ones on the bridge, I decided to go and find some more. I found them growing down low at the base of trees where they escape direct sun. I also found them growing on the sides of mossy rocks where it is cooler and out of the sun. More rain and mild termperatures are on the way this week, so licorice ferns might decide to start sprouting a little early this year. I’ll be out there watching to see.
