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 Adiantum pedatum.
Material uses
The stipe of the plant is used as an ornament in basketry
[2][3].
The leaves can be used as a lining for carrying or storing fruits in baskets and on racks[4].
The plant is used as a hair conditioner[2]. The stems have been used as a hair wash to make the hair shiny[5].
Plants can be used for ground cover when planted about 30cm apart either way, they form a slowly spreading clump
[6].
The whole plant is considered to be antirheumatic, astringent, demulcent, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, haemostatic, pectoral and tonic
[2][5][7]. A tea or syrup is used in the treatment of nasal congestion, asthma, sore throats etc
[5]. A decoction of the root was massaged into rheumatic joints
[4]. The N. American Indians chewed the fronds and then applied them to wounds to stop bleeding
[8].
A strong infusion of the whole plant was has been used as an emetic in the treatment of ague and fevers[4].
This plant was highly valued as a medicinal plant in the 19th century and merits scientific investigation
[5].
Ecology
Ecosystem niche/layer
Soil surface
Ecological Functions
Forage
Nothing listed.
Shelter
Nothing listed.
Propagation
Spores - best sown as soon as ripe 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 them 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 in spring or autumn.
Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Adiantum pedatum. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.
Cultivation
Easily grown in a cool moist shady position
[9][10]. Requires an abundance of moisture in the air and soil
[9]. Prefers an alkaline soil
[1]. Requires an acid soil according to another report.
A very ornamental plant[9], it does not always succeed outdoors in Britain[9]. It probably prefers to be covered in snow overwinter - could a mulch help[9]?
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[11].
Plants have a slowly-increasing rootstock
[11].
Crops
Problems, pests & diseases
Associations & Interactions
There are no interactions listed for Adiantum pedatum. 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 Adiantum pedatum.
Descendants
Cultivars
Varieties
None listed.
Subspecies
None listed.
Full Data
This table shows all the data stored for this plant.
Taxonomy
Binomial name
Adiantum pedatum
Imported References
Material uses & Functions
Uses
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
"image:Adiantum pedatum (homeredwardprice) 001.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Adiantum pedatum (homeredwardprice) 001.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Adiantum pedatum (homeredwardprice) 001.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Adiantum pedatum (homeredwardprice) 001.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Adiantum pedatum (homeredwardprice) 001.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Adiantum pedatum (homeredwardprice) 001.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Adiantum pedatum (homeredwardprice) 001.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Adiantum pedatum (homeredwardprice) 001.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Adiantum pedatum (homeredwardprice) 001.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Adiantum pedatum (homeredwardprice) 001.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Adiantum pedatum (homeredwardprice) 001.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Adiantum pedatum (homeredwardprice) 001.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Adiantum pedatum (homeredwardprice) 001.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Adiantum pedatum (homeredwardprice) 001.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Adiantum pedatum (homeredwardprice) 001.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
References
-
? 1.01.11.2 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
-
? 2.02.12.22.32.42.5 Schofield. J. J. Discovering Wild Plants - Alaska, W. Canada and the Northwest. ()
-
? 3.03.1 Wrigley. J. W. and Fagg. M. Australian Native Plants. Collins. (Australia) ISBN 0-7322-0021-0 (1988-00-00)
-
? 4.04.14.24.34.4 Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. ISBN 0-88192-453-9 (1998-00-00)
-
? 5.05.15.25.35.45.5 Foster. S. & Duke. J. A. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America. Houghton Mifflin Co. ISBN 0395467225 (1990-00-00)
-
? 6.06.1 Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons ISBN 0-460-12609-1 (1990-00-00)
-
? 7.07.1 Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. (1986-00-00)
-
? 8.08.1 Weiner. M. A. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books ISBN 0-449-90589-6 (1980-00-00)
-
? 9.09.19.29.39.4 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
-
? Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30936-9 (1991-00-00)
-
? 11.011.1 Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)
-
? Hitchcock. C. L. Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press (1955-00-00)
-
? Britton. N. L. Brown. A. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada Dover Publications. New York. ISBN 0-486-22642-5 (1970-00-00)
"image:Adiantum pedatum (homeredwardprice) 001.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.