Mountain Bladder Fern

Cystopteris montana

Physical Characteristics

Cystopteris montana is a deciduous Fern growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. The seeds ripen from July to August. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Northern, but not arctic, Europe, including Britain, east to Siberia. Also in northern N. America.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Root. An emergency food, it is only used when all else fails[172].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[200]. 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[172].