Scale Fern

Asplenium ceterach

Physical Characteristics

Asplenium ceterach is a FERN growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. The seeds ripen from April to October. The plant is not self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Central and southern Europe, including Britain, east to the Himalayas and Caucasus.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; North Wall. In. East Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antitussive Diuretic The whole plant is antitussive and diuretic[7]. It is widely used in the Mediterranean to treat gravel in the urine and is also used with other mucilaginous plants to treat bronchial complaints[7]. The taste is very bitter and needs to be sweetened with other herbs such as liquorice[7]. The plant is harvested from late spring to summer and can be dried for later use[7]. Some caution should be employed in its use since it has not been fully tested[7].

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].