Mid-December showcases licorice ferns (Polypodium glycyrrhiza) at peak vitality, with these deciduous ferns carpeting bigleaf maple trunks, mossy nurse logs, and rocky outcrops throughout Pacific Northwest forests. Licorice ferns are epiphytes that grow on trees and rocks rather than in soil, absorbing moisture directly from rain and fog. These remarkable ferns completely die back and turn brown during summer drought, appearing dead for months, but revive within days of fall rains returning. By mid-December, after months of rehydration, they create brilliant green carpets covering maple bark and creating otherworldly forest scenes. The ferns get their name from their rhizomes, which taste like licorice and were traditionally chewed by indigenous peoples for flavor and medicinal purposes. Their ability to survive complete desiccation and rapid revival makes them ecological indicators of the Pacific Northwest's distinctive wet-dry seasonal cycle.

Winter citrus arrives from California—satsuma mandarins, clementines, and Meyer lemons brighten December tables, alongside the brief persimmon season with crunchy Fuyu varieties perfect for fresh eating or winter salads.

Walk through old-growth forests to witness licorice ferns carpeting maple trunks in brilliant green—trails like Seward Park in Seattle or Baker Lake Trail near Mount Baker showcase these epiphytes at peak vitality. Join winter solstice luminary walks at Bloedel Reserve or Washington Park Arboretum (Dec 18-22).