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Summary

Form: Upright or erect.

Physical Characteristics

Dryopteris carthusiana is a FERN growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5.
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 or wet soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

D. spinulosum. Watt. Aspidium spinulosum.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root
Edible Uses:

Root - baked[61]. Some caution is advised, see notes above on toxicity. Old leafstalks on the underground stems can be roasted, peeled and the inner portion eaten[257]. Young curled fronds, harvested as they are developing in the spring, can be boiled and eaten like asparagus[257].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Vermifuge

The root contains ‘filicin’, a substance that paralyses tapeworms and other internal parasites and has been used as a worm expellent[4, 222, 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.

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

When spaced about 30cm apart each way, the plants can be grown as a ground cover[208].

Special Uses

Ground cover

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Foundation, Ground cover, Massing, Woodland garden. Prefers an acid to neutral soil, succeeding in ordinary fertile soil in a shady position[175, 200]. Requires permanently moist conditions at its roots. A very ornamental plant[1], it is often evergreen in mild winters[188]. Plants spread slowly at the rootstock[233]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233]. Special Features:Attractive foliage, Not North American native, Naturalizing, There are no flowers or blooms.

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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The PFAF Bookshop

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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.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Dryopteris barbigera		Fern	0.0	-		LMH	S	M	0	4
Dryopteris blandfordii		Fern	0.0	-		LMH	S	M	0	4
Dryopteris crassirhizoma	Crown Wood-Fern	Fern	1.0	5-9		LMH	S	M	1	4
Dryopteris cristata	Crested Wood Fern	Fern	0.5	4-8		LMH	S	M	0	4
Dryopteris dilatata	Shield Fern	Fern	1.2	4-8		LMH	S	M	2	4	3
Dryopteris expansa	Spiny Wood Fern, Spreading woodfern	Fern	0.4	3-7		LMH	FS	M	2	3	1
Dryopteris filix-mas	Male Fern	Fern	1.2	3-8	M	LMH	S	DM	2	4	3
Dryopteris fragrans	Fragrant Woodfern	Fern	0.2	3-7		LMH	S	M	1	0	1
Dryopteris marginalis	Marginal Woodfern, Leather Wood Fern	Fern	0.8	3-8	M	LMH	S	M	0	4	0
Dryopteris odontoloma		Fern	0.0	-		LMH	S	M	0	4
Dryopteris oreades	Mountain Male Fern	Fern	0.6	5-9		LMH	S	M	0	4
Dryopteris schimperiana		Fern	0.0	-		LMH	S	M	0	4
Dryopteris sieboldii		Fern	0.5	7-10		LMH	S	M	1	0
Gymnocarpium dryopteris	Northern oak fern	Fern	0.3	2-7	S	LM	FS	MWe	0	0	3

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Dryopteris carthusiana - (Vill.)H.P.Fuchs.