Asplenium ruta-muraria Wall rue (Polypodiaceae) Evergreen fern

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Asplenium ruta-muraria
Wall rue
Evergreen fern
(1 Page of 5)

The Asplenium ruta-muraria plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Polypodiaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Wall rue.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Asplenium ruta-muraria
Common Name:  Wall rue
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:  0.1   Mature Width:  0.15

Habitat:  Old walls and basic rocks in hilly areas[7, 17].

Medicinal Information: The fronds are astringent, deobstruent, emmenagogue, expectorant and ophthalmic[4, 7, 240]. A distilled water made from the fronds has proved of benefit in the treatment of many eye complaints[7]. The plant is also considered to be useful in the treatment of coughs and ruptures in children[4]. It was at one time used as a herbal remedy for rickets[219] and its tannin content renders it suitable for stopping bleeding from small wounds[7]. The fronds are harvested in late spring and dried for later use[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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