Asplenium ceterach Scale fern (Polypodiaceae)

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Asplenium ceterach
Scale fern
(1 Page of 5)

The Asplenium ceterach plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Polypodiaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Scale fern. Some home gardeners know the variety as Ceterach officinarum. DC.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
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Latin Name:  Asplenium ceterach
Common Name:  Scale fern
Family:  Polypodiaceae
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:  0.15   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Limestone rocks and mortared wallls[17].

Medicinal Information: The whole plant is antitussive and diuretic[7]. It is widely used in the Mediterranean to treat gravel in the urine and is also used with other mucilaginous plants to treat bronchial complaints[7]. The taste is very bitter and needs to be sweetened with other herbs such as liquorice[7]. The plant is harvested from late spring to summer and can be dried for later use[7]. Some caution should be employed in its use since it has not been fully tested[7].

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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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