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Polystichum munitum
Giant holly fern
Evergreen fern
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The Polystichum munitum plant species is found in Western N. America - Alaska to California. It is a member of the Dryopteridaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Giant holly fern. Some home gardeners know the variety as Aspidium munitum. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
Latin Name: Polystichum munitum
Common Name: Giant holly fern
Family: Dryopteridaceae
Author: (Kaulfuss.)C.Presl.
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: 1 Mature Width: 0.3
Habitat: There are two distinct varieties, var munitum grows in moist coniferous woods, var imbricans grows in rock crevices and rocky soils in dry coniferous soils[60]. Forms extensive colonies[187].
General Uses: The leaves are used for lining boxes, baskets, fruit drying racks etc and as a stuffing material in bedding[99, 118, 257].
A decoction of the rhizome treats dandruff[172].
Plants can be grown as a ground cover and are best spaced about 1 metre apart each way[208].
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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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