Licorice fern is found on wet, mossy ground, logs, rocks, and most commonly as an epiphyte on trees. An epiphyte is a plant that lives on another plant.  This fern is predominantly found on Big leaf maple trees in the lowland, coastal forests of the Pacific Northwest. Licorice fern provides food for herbivorous insects and people. Historically, the roots of this fern were commonly chewed as a snack and eaten raw or cooked by coastal Native American tribes.  The roots are also important as medicine for sore throats and coughs, and as a sweetener for cooking.