Dryopteris expansa Spiny Wood Fern (Dryopteridaceae)

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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].

Medicinal Information: A poultice of the pounded roots has been applied to cuts[257]. We have no other reports for this species, but the following uses apply to many members of this genus and quite probably also to this species[K]. The root contains ‘filicin’, a substance that paralyses tapeworms and other internal parasites and has been used as a worm expellent[4, 172, 238]. It is one of the most effective treatments known for tapeworms - its use should be immediately followed by a non-oily purgative such as magnesium sulphate in order to expel the worms from the body[238]. An oily purge, such as caster oil, increases the absorption of the fern root and can be dangerous[238]. The root is harvested in the autumn and can be dried for later use, it should not be stored for longer than 12 months[238]. This remedy should be used with caution and only under the supervision of a qualified practitioner[238]. The root is toxic and the dosage is critical[238]. See also the notes above on toxicity. The root is also used in the treatment of dandruff[4, 172].

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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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