Adder's Tongue, Southern adderstongue

Ophioglossum vulgatum

Physical Characteristics

Ophioglossum vulgatum is a FERN growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. The seeds ripen from May 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 cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Iceland south and east to N. Africa, north and west Asia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Meadow; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Used as a vegetable[145]. No more details are given.

Medicinal Uses

Emetic Skin Vulnerary The root and the leaves are antiseptic, detergent, emetic, haemostatic, styptic and vulnerary[4, 61, 218]. An ointment made from the plant is considered to be a good remedy for wounds and is also used in the treatment of skin ulcers[4, 145]. The expressed juice of the leaves is drunk as a treatment for internal bleeding and bruising[4].

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].