Cystopteris bulbifera Berry bladder fern (Dryopteridaceae) Deciduous fern

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Cystopteris bulbifera
Berry bladder fern
Deciduous fern
(1 Page of 5)

The Cystopteris bulbifera plant species is found in Eastern N. America - Newfoundland to Manitoba, Wisconsin and Iowa, south to Georgia and Arkansas. It is a member of the Dryopteridaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Berry bladder fern.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Cystopteris bulbifera
Common Name:  Berry bladder fern
Family:  Dryopteridaceae
Author:  (L.)Bern.

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:  0.15   Mature Width:  0.23

Habitat:  Shaded ravines, rocky (mainly calcareous) slopes and steep banks[43].

Cultivation Notes: Prefers a shady position in a moist but well-drained soil, succeeding in most soil types[200]. Plants can tolerate up to 4 hours direct sun per day[200]. Prefers a pH between 6.5 and 7, but tolerates a range from 5.5 to 7.5[200]. Plants can be grown on old mortared walls if they are in a shady position[219]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233]. Plants die back early in dry seasons[200]. This plant produces bulbils on the leaves, these fall off when mature and grow into new plants[200, 235]. In this way the plant can become invasive[200].

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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'.
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