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Onoclea sensibilis Sensitive fern (1 Page of 5) The Onoclea sensibilis plant species is found in N. America - east of the Rockies to N.E. Asia. It is a member of the Onocleaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Sensitive fern. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Onoclea sensibilis Common Name: Sensitive fern Family: Onocleaceae Author: L. 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: 0.5 Mature Width: 0.5 Habitat: Wet grassy places, open damp woodland and occasionally on open hillsides[187].
General Uses: A decoction of the plant has been used as a hair wash to help prevent baldness[257].
This species has a freely-running rootstock and makes an effective ground cover plant[200, 233]. Although it is deciduous its decomposing ferns make an effective weed suppressing mulch[200]. Plants should be spaced about 1 metre apart each way[208].
For further Onoclea sensibilis 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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