Abstract:Osmunda japonica is a kind of vegetable fern with a potential of economic exploitation,which is,however,limited by the quantity of wild resource.To explore the optimal environmental condition of population growth and propagation,we extensively investigated the population distribution in Dalaoling Region of Yichang City,and conducted tests of artificial propagation.The results indicate that tends to concentrate at the habitats dominated by mixed deciduous forests of middle to near old-aged stages,followed by mature conifer forests and middle-old aged hardwood forests.The altitude range of O.japonica distribution is with the optimal range at 900~1 500 m a.s.l.In addition,O.japonica prefers north to south slope.Propagation from parent plants collected from the field can guarantee earlier and faster plant growth,propagation from the spores needs a longer term for parent plants growth,but have a low investment of harvest ratio,and better economic return.O.japonica prefers soil with rich nutrients.Leaf fertilizer can apparently improve the plant growth,and promote the productivity in unit area.