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 - baked[3]. Some caution is advised, see notes above on toxicity.
Old leafstalks on the underground stems can be roasted, peeled and the inner portion eaten[4].
Young curled fronds, harvested as they are developing in the spring, can be boiled and eaten like asparagus[4].Leaves
Root
Material uses
When spaced about 30cm apart each way, the plants can be grown as a ground cover[5].
There are no material uses listed for Dryopteris carthusiana.Medicinal uses(Warning!)
The root contains 'filicin', a substance that paralyses tapeworms and other internal parasites and has been used as a worm expellent[6][7][8]. 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[8]. An oily purge, such as caster oil, increases the absorption of the fern root and can be dangerous[8]. The root is harvested in the autumn and can be dried for later use, it should not be stored for longer than 12 months[8]. This remedy should be used with caution and only under the supervision of a qualified practitioner[8]. The root is toxic and the dosage is critical[8]. See also the notes above on toxicity.
Unknown part
Ecology
Ecosystem niche/layer
Ecological Functions
Ground cover
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 carthusiana. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.
Cultivation
Prefers an acid to neutral soil, succeeding in ordinary fertile soil in a shady position[9][1]. Requires permanently moist conditions at its roots.
A very ornamental plant[10], it is often evergreen in mild winters[11]. Plants spread slowly at the rootstock[12].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[12].Crops
Problems, pests & diseases
Associations & Interactions
There are no interactions listed for Dryopteris carthusiana. 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 carthusiana.
Descendants
Cultivars
Varieties
None listed.
Subspecies
None listed.
Full Data
This table shows all the data stored for this plant.
Taxonomy
Binomial name
Dryopteris carthusiana
Genus
Dryopteris
Family
Dryopteridaceae
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Environment
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
- ? 1.01.11.2 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. ()
- ? 3.03.1 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
- ? 4.04.14.2 Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. ISBN 0-88192-453-9 (1998-00-00)
- ? 5.05.1 Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons ISBN 0-460-12609-1 (1990-00-00)
- ? 6.06.1 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
- ? 7.07.1 Foster. S. & Duke. J. A. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America. Houghton Mifflin Co. ISBN 0395467225 (1990-00-00)
- ? 8.08.18.28.38.48.58.6 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
- ? Bird. R. (Editor) Focus on Plants. Volume 5. (formerly 'Growing from seed') Thompson and Morgan. (1991-00-00)
- ? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
- ? Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0-86318-386-7 (1990-00-00)
- ? 12.012.1 Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)
- ? Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press (1962-00-00)
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