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Dryopteris expansa
  • Spiny Wood Fern

a member of the Dryopteris genus in the family Dryopteridaceae.

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Niche
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    The ecosystem niches for this plant are unknown. Do you know them? Click the edit button to add them!
Functions
  • None
    None
    There are no functions defined for this plant. Do you know of some? Click the edit button to add them!
Light
  • Partial sun
    Partial sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • permanent shade
    Permanent shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • acid,neutral
    Unknown
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 3
    Zone 3
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Dryopteris expansa has 0 edible uses listed
Dryopteris expansa has 0 material uses listed
Dryopteris expansa has 0 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Toxic parts

Although we have found no reports for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[1]. The fresh plant contains 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[2]. However, there have been reports for other species of ferns suggesting that even cooked fronds can have a long term harmful effect. Some caution is therefore advised.

Edible uses

Notes

Root - raw or cooked[3]. Baked and then peeled before being eaten[4]. The raw root is rather bitter but they develop a sweet taste when cooked and are said by some people to develop a flavour rather like sweet potatoes[3]. The root is best harvested in early autumn. At this time the rhizomes are surrounded by scaly, finger-like projections - if the projections are flat and dark inside then the rhizomes are not good to eat but if they are round, fleshy and light-coloured then they can be eaten[3]. The young shoots, harvested in spring before they have fully unfurled, can be cooked and eaten[4]. They can be added to soups[4].

Leaves

Unknown use

Root

Unknown use

Material uses

An infusion of the leaves has been used as a hair wash[4].

Unknown part

Hair care

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

A poultice of the pounded roots has been applied to cuts[4].

We have no other reports for this species, but the following uses apply to many members of this genus and quite probably also to this species[K].

The root contains 'filicin', a substance that paralyses tapeworms and other internal parasites and has been used as a worm expellent[5][2][6]. It is one of the most effective treatments known for tapeworms - its use should be immediately followed by a non-oily purgative such as magnesium sulphate in order to expel the worms from the body[6]. An oily purge, such as caster oil, increases the absorption of the fern root and can be dangerous[6]. The root is harvested in the autumn and can be dried for later use, it should not be stored for longer than 12 months[6]. This remedy should be used with caution and only under the supervision of a qualified practitioner[6]. The root is toxic and the dosage is critical[6]. See also the notes above on toxicity.

The root is also used in the treatment of dandruff[5][2].

Unknown part

Anthelmintic
Poultice

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Spores - can be sown at any time of the year in a greenhouse. Surface sow on a sterilised compost and keep moist, possibly by placing the pot in a plastic bag. Germinates in 1 - 3 months at 20°c. Pot up small clumps of the plants when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a shady part of the greenhouse until large enough to plant out. Division in spring. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Dryopteris expansa. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

An easily grown plant[7], it prefers an acid to neutral soil, succeeding in ordinary fertile soil in a shady position[8][1]. Prefers a moist soil[9].

Closely related to D. dilatata and hybridising where their ranges meet to produce D. x ambroseae.

Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[7].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Dryopteris expansa. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Dryopteris expansa.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Dryopteris expansa
Genus
Dryopteris
Family
Dryopteridaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
[3][4]
Medicinal uses
[4][5][2][6]
Material uses & Functions
[4]
Botanic
[1]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
3
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
partial sun
Shade
permanent shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    ?
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    0.4 x 0.5 meters
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    ?
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type

    "image:Dryopteris expansa1.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Dryopteris expansa1.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Dryopteris expansa1.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Dryopteris expansa1.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Dryopteris expansa1.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:Dryopteris expansa1.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Dryopteris expansa1.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Dryopteris expansa1.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Dryopteris expansa1.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Dryopteris expansa1.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Dryopteris expansa1.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Dryopteris expansa1.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Dryopteris expansa1.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.






    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.2 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.12.22.3 Schofield. J. J. Discovering Wild Plants - Alaska, W. Canada and the Northwest. ()
    3. ? 3.03.13.23.3 Turner. N. J. Food Plants of Coastal First Peoples UBC Press. Vancouver. ISBN 0-7748-0533-1 (1995-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.24.34.44.54.64.7 Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. ISBN 0-88192-453-9 (1998-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.2 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.16.26.36.46.56.6 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.1 Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)
    8. ? Bird. R. (Editor) Focus on Plants. Volume 5. (formerly 'Growing from seed') Thompson and Morgan. (1991-00-00)
    9. ? Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0-86318-386-7 (1990-00-00)

    "image:Dryopteris expansa1.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    Retrieved from "https://practicalplants.org/w/index.php?title=Dryopteris_expansa&oldid=76943"
    Facts about "Dryopteris expansa"RDF feed
    Article is incompleteYes +
    Article requires citationsNo +
    Article requires cleanupYes +
    Belongs to familyDryopteridaceae +
    Belongs to genusDryopteris +
    Has binomial nameDryopteris expansa +
    Has common nameSpiny Wood Fern +
    Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
    Has edible partLeaves + and Root +
    Has edible useUnknown use +
    Has hardiness zone3 +
    Has imageDryopteris expansa1.JPG +
    Has material partUnknown part +
    Has material useHair care +
    Has mature height0.4 +
    Has mature width0.5 +
    Has medicinal partUnknown part +
    Has medicinal useAnthelmintic + and Poultice +
    Has primary imageDryopteris expansa1.JPG +
    Has search namedryopteris expansa + and spiny wood fern +
    Has shade tolerancePermanent shade +
    Has soil ph preferenceAcid + and Neutral +
    Has soil texture preferenceSandy +, Loamy + and Clay +
    Has sun preferencePartial sun +
    Has taxonomic rankSpecies +
    Has taxonomy nameDryopteris expansa +
    Has water requirementsmoderate +
    Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
    PFAF cultivation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF edible use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF material use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF medicinal use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF propagation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF toxicity notes migratedNo +
    Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
    Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +
    Has subobjectThis property is a special property in this wiki.Dryopteris expansa +, Dryopteris expansa +, Dryopteris expansa +, Dryopteris expansa + and Dryopteris expansa +