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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].
For further Asplenium scolopendrium gardening information click on one of the blue links below 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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