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Blechnum spicant Hard fern Evergreen fern (1 Page of 5) The Blechnum spicant plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Blechnaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Hard fern. Some home gardeners know the variety as Lomaria spicant. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Blechnum spicant Common Name: Hard fern Family: Blechnaceae Author: (L.)Roth. Known Hazards: Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[200].
Many ferns also contain thiaminase, an enzyme that robs the body of its vitamin B complex. In small quantities this enzyme will do no harm to people eating an adequate diet that is rich in vitamin B, though large quantities can cause severe health problems. The enzyme is destroyed by heat or thorough drying, so cooking the plant will remove the thiaminase[172]. Mature Height: 0.3 Mature Width: 0.3 Habitat: Woods, heaths, moors, mountain grassland and on rocks, to 1200 metres[17].
Edible Uses: Root - cooked. An emergency food, used when all else fails[177].
Young shoots (often called croziers) - cooked[177]. The young tender stems can be peeled and the centre portion eaten[257]. An emergency food, it is only used when all else fails[177, 213]. It is also chewed to alleviate thirst on long journeys[213].
For further Blechnum spicant gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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