Polypodium vulgare, commonly known as the Common Polypody, is an evergreen fern that naturally inhabits a variety of habitats including temperate forests, rocky slopes, and shaded banks in western and central Europe, extending to parts of North Africa. It is often found growing epiphytically on mossy trees or on rocks and old walls, where it can avoid competition for light and nutrients. This fern typically forms dense clumps of arching fronds that are 10-35 cm long, with leathery, dark green leaves divided into numerous leaflets. The sori, or spore-producing structures, are round and located on the undersides of the fronds, making them a point of interest for fern enthusiasts.

The Common Polypody is valued for its low maintenance and adaptability, thriving in shaded to semi-shaded locations with well-drained, humus-rich soil. It is often used in shaded garden areas, rock gardens, and as a ground cover under trees, where other plants may struggle to grow. It is also appreciated for its year-round greenery and its historical use in cooking and herbal medicine, where it was used for its sweet taste and purported health benefits. While it requires minimal care, it is important to ensure that it does not dry out completely and to protect it from harsh winter winds. In some regions, such as New Zealand, it has become invasive, so gardeners should be cautious about planting it in areas where it may spread uncontrollably.CC BY-SA 4.0