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Dryopteris marginalis
  • Marginal Woodfern

an evergreen member of the Dryopteris genus in the family Dryopteridaceae.

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
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • partial shade
    Partial 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
  • 4
    Zone 4
    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 marginalis 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

There are no edible uses listed for Dryopteris marginalis.

Material uses

There are no material uses listed for Dryopteris marginalis.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The root contains 'filicin', a substance that paralyses tapeworms and other internal parasites and has been used as a worm expellent[3][4]. 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[4]. An oily purge, such as caster oil, increases the absorption of the fern root and can be dangerous[4]. The root is harvested in the autumn and can be dried for later use, it should not be stored for longer than 12 months[4]. This remedy should be used with caution and only under the supervision of a qualified practitioner[4]. The root is toxic and the dosage is critical[4]. See also the notes above on toxicity. An infusion of the root has been used in the treatment of rheumatism[5]. A warm infusion, held in the mouth, has been used to treat toothaches[5].

Unknown part

Antirheumatic
Odontalgic
Vermifuge

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 marginalis. 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. Succeeds in full sun but grows best in a shady position with only 2 - 3 hours sun per day[1]. Tolerates a pH range from 4.5 to 7[1]. Dislikes heavy clay. Prefers a good supply of water at its roots but succeeds in dry shade and tolerates drought when it is established.

A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -30°c[1]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[6].

Hybridizes in the wild with several other species[7].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Dryopteris marginalis. 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 marginalis.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Dryopteris marginalis
Genus
Dryopteris
Family
Dryopteridaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
[3][4][5]
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
[1][8]
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
4
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
Shade
partial shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
  • Drought
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
evergreen
Herbaceous or Woody
?
Life Cycle
?
Growth Rate
?
Mature Size
0.75 x 0.3 meters
Fertility
?
Pollinators
?
Flower Colour
?
Flower Type











References

  1. ? 1.01.11.21.31.4 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
  2. ? Schofield. J. J. Discovering Wild Plants - Alaska, W. Canada and the Northwest. ()
  3. ? 3.03.1 Hill. A. F. Economic Botany. The Maple Press (1952-00-00)
  4. ? 4.04.14.24.34.44.54.6 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
  5. ? 5.05.15.2 Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. ISBN 0-88192-453-9 (1998-00-00)
  6. ? Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)
  7. ? Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30936-9 (1991-00-00)
  8. ? [Flora of N. America] ()


Retrieved from "http://practicalplants.org/w/index.php?title=Dryopteris_marginalis&oldid=76946"
Facts about "Dryopteris marginalis"RDF feed
Article is incompleteYes +
Article requires citationsNo +
Article requires cleanupYes +
Belongs to familyDryopteridaceae +
Belongs to genusDryopteris +
Has binomial nameDryopteris marginalis +
Has common nameMarginal Woodfern +
Has drought toleranceTolerant +
Has environmental toleranceDrought +
Has hardiness zone4 +
Has mature height0.75 +
Has mature width0.3 +
Has medicinal partUnknown part +
Has medicinal useAntirheumatic +, Odontalgic + and Vermifuge +
Has search namedryopteris marginalis + and marginal woodfern +
Has shade tolerancePartial shade +
Has soil ph preferenceAcid + and Neutral +
Has soil texture preferenceSandy +, Loamy + and Clay +
Has taxonomic rankSpecies +
Has taxonomy nameDryopteris marginalis +
Has water requirementsmoderate +
Is deciduous or evergreenEvergreen +
Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
PFAF cultivation notes migratedNo +
PFAF edible use notes migratedYes +
PFAF material use notes migratedYes +
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 marginalis +, Dryopteris marginalis + and Dryopteris marginalis +