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Dryopteris filix-mas
  • Male Fern

a member of the Dryopteris genus in the family Dryopteridaceae.

248px
Niche
  • Soil surface
    Soil surface
    There are no details available for this niche.
Functions
  • Ground cover
    Ground cover
    There are no details available for this function.
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
  • 2
    Zone 2
    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 filix-mas has 0 edible uses listed
Dryopteris filix-mas has 0 material uses listed
Dryopteris filix-mas 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[21]. 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[22]. 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

Some caution is advised, see the notes on toxicity.

Leaves

Cooked

Root

Raw
Cooked

Material uses

Leaves

Compost
Potash

Roots

Tannin

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

As well as the uses below, the root is also taken internally in the treatment of internal haemorrhage, uterine bleeding, mumps and feverish illnesses[16]. The root is harvested in the autumn and can be dried for later use[8]. This remedy should be used with caution and only under the supervision of a qualified practitioner[12][16]. The root is toxic and the dosage is critical[16]. Pregnant women and people with heart complaints should not be prescribed this plant[8]. See also notes above on toxicity.

Roots

Anodyne
Antibacterial
Antiinflammatory
Antiviral
Astringent
Febrifuge
Vermifuge
Vulnerary
Poultice

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Soil surface

Ecological Functions

Ground cover

An effective ground cover plant. Although it is usually deciduous, its decaying fronds make a good weed-suppressing mulch in the winter[21]. Space the plants about 60cm apart each way[23].

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 filix-mas. 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[24][21]. Succeeds in poor soils[23]. Succeeds in full sun but grows best in a shady position with only 2 - 3 hours sun per day[21]. Tolerates a pH range from 4.5 to 7[21]. Dislikes heavy clay[25]. Prefers a good supply of water at its roots[25] but succeeds in dry shade[26] and tolerates drought when it is established[21].

A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -30°c[21], the plant remains evergreen in the milder areas of Britain[27]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[27].

An aggregate species[28]. There are many named forms, selected for their ornamental value[29].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Dryopteris filix-mas. 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 filix-mas.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Dryopteris filix-mas
Genus
Dryopteris
Family
Dryopteridaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
[1][2][3][4]
Medicinal uses
[8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]
Material uses & Functions
[5][6][21][23][7]
Botanic
[28][21]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Ground cover
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
2
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
Soil surface
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
Life
Deciduous or Evergreen
?
Herbaceous or Woody
?
Life Cycle
?
Growth Rate
?
Mature Size
1.2 x 1
Fertility
?
Pollinators
?
Flower Colour
?
Flower Type

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"image:Dryopteris filix mas nf.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Dryopteris filix mas nf.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


"image:Dryopteris filix mas nf.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

"image:Dryopteris filix mas nf.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

"image:Dryopteris filix mas nf.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Dryopteris filix mas nf.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Dryopteris filix mas nf.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Dryopteris filix mas nf.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Dryopteris filix mas nf.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

"image:Dryopteris filix mas nf.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki."image:Dryopteris filix mas nf.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


"image:Dryopteris filix mas nf.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.



Ground cover

"image:Dryopteris filix mas nf.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


References

  1. ? 1.01.1 Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing (32202/01/01)
  2. ? 2.02.1 Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books ISBN 3874292169 (32202/01/01)
  3. ? 3.03.1 Brouk. B. Plants Consumed by Man. Academic Press ISBN 0-12-136450-x (32202/01/01)
  4. ? 4.04.14.2 Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. ISBN 0-88192-453-9 (32202/01/01)
  5. ? 5.05.1 Riotte. L. Companion Planting for Successful Gardening. Garden Way, Vermont, USA. ISBN 0-88266-064-0 (32202/01/01)
  6. ? 6.06.1 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (32202/01/01)
  7. ? 7.07.1 Rottsieper. E.H.W. Vegetable Tannins The Forestal Land, Timber and Railways Co. Ltd. (32202/01/01)
  8. ? 8.08.18.28.38.4 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (32202/01/01)
  9. ? 9.09.1 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (32202/01/01)
  10. ? 10.010.1 Triska. Dr. Hamlyn Encyclopaedia of Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-33545-3 (32202/01/01)
  11. ? 11.011.1 Stary. F. Poisonous Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-35666-3 (32202/01/01)
  12. ? 12.012.112.2 Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (32202/01/01)
  13. ? 13.013.1 Hill. A. F. Economic Botany. The Maple Press (32202/01/01)
  14. ? 14.014.1 Stuart. Rev. G. A. Chinese Materia Medica. Taipei. Southern Materials Centre ()
  15. ? 15.015.1 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (32202/01/01)
  16. ? 16.016.116.216.316.416.516.616.716.8 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (32202/01/01)
  17. ? 17.017.1 Foster. S. & Duke. J. A. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America. Houghton Mifflin Co. ISBN 0395467225 (32202/01/01)
  18. ? 18.018.1 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. (32202/01/01)
  19. ? 19.019.1 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (32202/01/01)
  20. ? 20.020.1 Stuart. M. (Editor) The Encyclopedia of Herbs and Herbalism Orbis Publishing. London. ISBN 0-85613-067-2 (32202/01/01)
  21. ? 21.021.121.221.321.421.521.621.721.8 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (32202/01/01)
  22. ? Schofield. J. J. Discovering Wild Plants - Alaska, W. Canada and the Northwest. ()
  23. ? 23.023.123.2 Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons ISBN 0-460-12609-1 (32202/01/01)
  24. ? Bird. R. (Editor) Focus on Plants. Volume 5. (formerly 'Growing from seed') Thompson and Morgan. (32202/01/01)
  25. ? 25.025.1 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (32202/01/01)
  26. ? Knight. F. P. Plants for Shade. Royal Horticultural Society. ISBN 0-900629-78-9 (32202/01/01)
  27. ? 27.027.1 Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (32202/01/01)
  28. ? 28.028.1 Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press (32202/01/01)
  29. ? Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30936-9 (32202/01/01)

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Retrieved from "https://practicalplants.org/w/index.php?title=Dryopteris_filix-mas&oldid=76944"
Facts about "Dryopteris filix-mas"RDF feed
Article is incompleteNo +
Article requires citationsNo +
Article requires cleanupNo +
Belongs to familyDryopteridaceae +
Belongs to genusDryopteris +
Functions asGround cover +
Has binomial nameDryopteris filix-mas +
Has common nameMale Fern +
Has drought toleranceTolerant +
Has edible partLeaves + and Root +
Has edible useCooked + and Raw +
Has environmental toleranceDrought +
Has hardiness zone2 +
Has imageDryopteris filix mas nf.jpg +
Has material partLeaves + and Roots +
Has material useCompost +, Potash + and Tannin +
Has mature height1.2 +
Has mature width1 +
Has medicinal partRoots +
Has medicinal useAnodyne +, Antibacterial +, Antiinflammatory +, Antiviral +, Astringent +, Febrifuge +, Vermifuge +, Vulnerary + and Poultice +
Has primary imageDryopteris filix mas nf.jpg +
Has search namedryopteris filix-mas + and male fern +
Has seed requiring scarificationNo +
Has seed requiring stratificationNo +
Has shade tolerancePartial shade +
Has soil ph preferenceAcid + and Neutral +
Has soil texture preferenceSandy +, Loamy + and Clay +
Has taxonomic rankSpecies +
Has taxonomy nameDryopteris filix-mas +
Has water requirementsmoderate +
Inhabits ecosystem nicheSoil surface +
Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
PFAF cultivation notes migratedNo +
PFAF edible use notes migratedNo +
PFAF material use notes migratedYes +
PFAF medicinal use notes migratedNo +
PFAF propagation notes migratedNo +
PFAF toxicity notes migratedNo +
Tolerates air pollutionNo +
Tolerates maritime exposureNo +
Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
Tolerates windNo +
Has subobjectThis property is a special property in this wiki.Dryopteris filix-mas +, Dryopteris filix-mas +, Dryopteris filix-mas +, Dryopteris filix-mas +, Dryopteris filix-mas +, Dryopteris filix-mas +, Dryopteris filix-mas +, Dryopteris filix-mas +, Dryopteris filix-mas +, Dryopteris filix-mas +, Dryopteris filix-mas +, Dryopteris filix-mas +, Dryopteris filix-mas +, Dryopteris filix-mas + and Dryopteris filix-mas +