Thelypteris palustris
Marsh Fern
a deciduous member of the Thelypteris genus in the family Thelypteridaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Thelypteridaceae
- Genus
- Thelypteris
- Foliage
- deciduous
- Growth rate
- vigorous
- Height
- 0.75 m
- Spread
- 0.6 m
Uses
Toxicity
Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[6]. 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[3].
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Edible young fern[1][4]. The part that is eaten is not specified, it is likely to be the young leaves as they unfurl in spring and early summer.
- Plant part
- Leaves
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
The roots have been used in the treatment of women's complaints[8].
- Product or use
- Women's complaints
Environment
- Range
- Europe, incl Britain, from Norway south and east to Spain, temperate Asia to China, E. N. America.
- Habitat
- Marshes and fens, often abundant in carr or alder wood[2].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- high
- Hardiness
- Zone 4+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- very acid, acid, neutral
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Spores - best sown as soon as they are ripe, though they can also be sown in the spring. Sow them on the surface of a humus-rich sterilized soil. Keep the compost moist, preferably by putting a plastic bag over the pot. Pot on small clumps of plantlets as soon as they are large enough to handle and keep humid until they are well established. Do not plant outside until the ferns are at least 2 years old and then only in a very well sheltered position. Division. This is best done in the spring[5].
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Thrives in sun or shade in almost any soil with a pH between 5 and 7[6]. Grows well by water[6] and in wet woods[2]. A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -30°c[6]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[7]. Plants have a wandering root system and can be invasive[6][7].
References
Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976-00-00
Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press 1962-00-00
Schofield. J. J. Discovering Wild Plants - Alaska, W. Canada and the Northwest.
Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169
Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-86318-386-7
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8
Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-453-9