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Dryopteris expansa
Spiny Wood Fern
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The Dryopteris expansa plant species is found in Northern Temperate Zone It is a member of the Dryopteridaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Spiny Wood Fern. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
Latin Name: Dryopteris expansa
Common Name: Spiny Wood Fern
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Author: (Presl.)Fraser-Jenkins&Jermy.
Known Hazards: Although we have found no reports for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[200].
The fresh plant contains 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]. However, there have been reports for other species of ferns suggesting that even cooked fronds can have a long term harmful effect. Some caution is therefore advised.
Mature Height: 0.4 Mature Width: 0.5
Habitat: Cool moist woods, often on rotting logs and tree stumps[256].
Cultivation Notes: An easily grown plant[233], it prefers an acid to neutral soil, succeeding in ordinary fertile soil in a shady position[175, 200]. Prefers a moist soil[188].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233].
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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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