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Polystichum acrostichoides
Christmas fern
Evergreen fern
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The Polystichum acrostichoides plant species is found in N. America - Nova Scotia to Wisconsin, south to Florida, Texas and Mexico. It is a member of the Dryopteridaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Christmas fern. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
Latin Name: Polystichum acrostichoides
Common Name: Christmas fern
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Author: (Michx.)Schott.
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: 0.6 Mature Width: 0.45
Habitat: Wet woods and rocky slopes[43, 159].
Edible Uses: Young fronds[159, 257]. No more details are given, but they are probably harvested as they unfurl and eaten cooked.
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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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