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Dryopteris felix-mas
Male fern
Evergreen fern
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The Dryopteris felix-mas plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Dryopteridaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Male fern. Some home gardeners know the variety as Nephrodium felix-mas. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
Latin Name: Dryopteris felix-mas
Common Name: Male fern
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Author: (L.)Schott.
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: 1.2 Mature Width: 1
Habitat: Damp undergrowth, woodlands and other shady positions[7, 9, 31].
Edible Uses: Young fronds - cooked[105, 177]. A flavour resembling asparagus, brocolli and artichokes[142]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.
The rhizomes can be eaten raw or cooked[257]. They were eaten raw as part of a regime for losing weight[257].
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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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