Practical
Plants

Woodwardia radicans

Chain Fern

an evergreen member of the Woodwardia genus in the family Blechnaceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Foliage
evergreen
Height
1.8 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[5]. 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[2].

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.

Anthelmintic, astringent[3]. A decoction of the roots has been used both internally and externally in the treatment of pain from injuries[8].

Product or use
Anodyne
Product or use
Anthelmintic
Product or use
Astringent

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Plants can be grown as a ground cover when spaced about 1 metre apart each way[6]. The dried fronds and stems have been used in making baskets[8].

Product or use
Basketry

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Soil surface

Ground cover

Environment

Range
South-western Europe and the Atlantic Islands.
Habitat
Woodland margins, often by streams[9].
Shade tolerance
partial shade
Water
high
Hardiness
Zone 9+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
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. Plants produce a plantlet at the tips of each frond. These can be detached from the parent plant and rooted in humid conditions in a frame or the fronds can be anchored down and the plantlet allowed to root in situ[5]. Division in spring[4].

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Requires a neutral to acid humus-rich soil[5]. Prefers growing in wet conditions, especially near running water[5]. Grows best in semi-shade[4]. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, once established it tolerates temperatures down to about -5°c[5][9] and succeeds outdoors in the milder areas[6]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[7]. A very ornamental plant[1].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

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  2. Schofield. J. J. Discovering Wild Plants - Alaska, W. Canada and the Northwest.

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  3. Stuart. Rev. G. A. Chinese Materia Medica. Taipei. Southern Materials Centre

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  4. Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-86318-386-7

    ↩1↩2

  5. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  6. Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-460-12609-1

    ↩1↩2

  7. Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8

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  8. Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-453-9

    ↩1↩2

  9. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Conservatory and Indoor Plants Volumes 1 & 2 Pan Books, London. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-330-37376-5

    ↩1↩2

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