Shield Fern

Dryopteris dilatata

Physical Characteristics

Dryopteris dilatata is a FERN growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. The seeds ripen from July to September. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, Iceland and N. Russia south and east to Spain and temperate Asia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover; Hedgerow; North Wall. In. East Wall. In.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Edible Uses: Young fronds - they must be cooked[172. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Root - cooked[118, 161, 177]. Harvested in the spring and baked[213].

Medicinal Uses

Antidandruff Vermifuge The root contains ‘filicin’, a substance that paralyses tapeworms and other internal parasites and has been used as a worm expellent[4, 172, 238]. 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[238]. An oily purge, such as caster oil, increases the absorption of the fern root and can be dangerous[238]. The root is harvested in the autumn and can be dried for later use, it should not be stored for longer than 12 months[238]. This remedy should be used with caution and only under the supervision of a qualified practitioner[238]. The root is toxic and the dosage is critical[238]. See also the notes above on toxicity. The root is also used in the treatment of dandruff[4, 172].

Known Hazards

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