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Asplenium scolopendrium
Hart's tongue fern
Evergreen fern
(1 Page of 5)

 
The Asplenium scolopendrium plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Polypodiaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Hart's tongue fern. Some home gardeners know the variety as Phyllitis scolopendrium. (L.)Newman. Scolopendrium officinale. S. vulgaris.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
 
Latin Name:  Asplenium scolopendrium
Common Name:  Hart's tongue 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:  0.6   Mature Width:  0.45
 
Habitat:  Moist banks and walls[4], rocks in damp shady places in woodlands[7, 9, 31], often on lime-rich soils[187].



Medicinal Information:  The fronds are astringent, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, vulnerary[4, 7, 9, 165]. Externally it is used as an ointment in the treatment of piles, burns and scalds[4]. An infusion is taken internally for the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery, gravelly deposits of the bladder and for removing obstructions of the liver and spleen[4]. The fronds are harvested during the summer and can be 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'.
View their bibliography
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