Uses
Toxic parts
Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[1].
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].
Edible uses
There are no edible uses listed for Asplenium scolopendrium.Material uses
A good ground cover plant for shady positions[3][1], so long as it is planted no more than 30cm apart each way[4]. Plants form a slowly spreading clump[4].
A decoction of the fronds is used cosmetically as a hair wash to counteract greasy skin and also as a face pack for delicate skin[5].
Unknown part
Medicinal uses(Warning!)
The fronds are astringent, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, vulnerary[6][5][7][8]. Externally it is used as an ointment in the treatment of piles, burns and scalds[6]. 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[6]. The fronds are harvested during the summer and can be dried for later use[5].
Unknown part
Ecology
Ecosystem niche/layer
Ecological Functions
Ground cover
Forage
Nothing listed.
Shelter
Nothing listed.
Propagation
Spores - best sown as soon as they are ripe on the surface of a humus-rich sterilized soil. Keep the compost moist, preferably by putting a plastic bag over the pot. The spores usually germinate in the spring[9]. Spring sown spores germinate in 1 - 3 months at 15°c[10]. Pot on small clumps of plantlets as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse. Keep the plants humid until they are well established. Once the plants are 15cm or more tall, plant them out into their permanent positions in the spring.
Division in spring.
Leaf bases - dig up the plant and wash off the soil until the old caudex covered with 'dead' leaf bases can be clearly seen. Strip off these bases individually by peeling them down the caudex. At the point of attachment they will be green. Young plants can be raised by planting these leaf bases, green tip up, in a pot of loam-based compost and enclosing the pot in a plastic bag. Within one month green swellings will appear around the original point of attachment to the caudex, each of these will develop quite quickly into a young fern. It takes 3 months in summer but longer in winter[1].Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Asplenium scolopendrium. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.
Cultivation
Easily grown in a shady position in a soil that is rich in leaf-mould[11]. Prefers a light sandy soil[9]. Succeeds on chalk[3]. Plants can be grown on drystone walls[12]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a shady position with no more than 3 hours sunlight a day, greater exposure will cause yellowing and burning of the leaves[11]. One report says that it succeeds in dry shade[13]. Requires a pH of 6 or more in order to flourish.
Plants are hardy to about -30°c[11], they grow very well in SW. England[14]. A very adaptable plant[3]. There are many named forms, selected for their ornamental value[11][1].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[15].Crops
Problems, pests & diseases
Associations & Interactions
There are no interactions listed for Asplenium scolopendrium. 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 Asplenium scolopendrium.
Descendants
Cultivars
Varieties
None listed.
Subspecies
None listed.
Full Data
This table shows all the data stored for this plant.
Taxonomy
Binomial name
Asplenium scolopendrium
Genus
Asplenium
Family
Polypodiaceae
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Environment
Hardiness Zone
5
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
partial sun
Shade
permanent shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
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
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
References
- ? 1.01.11.21.31.41.5 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
- ? Schofield. J. J. Discovering Wild Plants - Alaska, W. Canada and the Northwest. ()
- ? 3.03.13.23.3 Knight. F. P. Plants for Shade. Royal Horticultural Society. ISBN 0-900629-78-9 (1980-00-00)
- ? 4.04.14.2 Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons ISBN 0-460-12609-1 (1990-00-00)
- ? 5.05.15.25.35.4 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984-00-00)
- ? 6.06.16.26.3 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
- ? 7.07.1 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (1981-00-00)
- ? 8.08.1 Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism. ()
- ? 9.09.1 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
- ? Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 2. Thompson and Morgan. (1988-00-00)
- ? 11.011.111.211.3 Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30936-9 (1991-00-00)
- ? Grey-Wilson. C. & Matthews. V. Gardening on Walls Collins ISBN 0-00-219220-0 (1983-00-00)
- ? Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0-86318-386-7 (1990-00-00)
- ? Brown. Shade Plants for Garden and Woodland. ()
- ? Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)
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