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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Dryopteris cristata is an evergreen Fern growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in leaf all year.
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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

None known

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.
Diaphoretic Expectorant Febrifuge Vermifuge

The male fern is one of the most popular and effective treatments for tape worms. The root stalks are anodyne, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, astringent, expectorant, febrifuge, sudorific, vermifuge and vulnerary[218, 222, 238]. The root contains 'filicin’, a substance that paralyses tapeworms and other internal parasites and has been used as a worm expellent[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 also taken internally in the treatment of internal haemorrhage, uterine bleeding, mumps and feverish illnesses[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. Externally, the root is used in the treatment of abscesses, boils, carbuncles and sores[238].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers an acid to neutral soil, succeeding in ordinary fertile soil in a shady position. Succeeds in full sun but grows best in a shady position with only 2 - 3 hours sun per day[200]. Tolerates a pH range from 4.5 to 7[200]. Dislikes heavy clay. Prefers a good supply of water at its roots but succeeds in dry shade and tolerates drought when it is established. A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -30°c[200]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233]. Hybridizes in the wild with several other species[187].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees,Edible Shrubs, Woodland Gardening, and Temperate Food Forest Plants. Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical).

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Plant 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 Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada (Québec, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia), United States (Connecticut, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Illinois, Wisconsin, Montana, Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia) EUROPE: Denmark, Finland, United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Russian Federation (European part), Estonia, Russian Federation (Saratov, Volgogradskaja oblast), Ukraine (incl. Krym), Italy, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, France

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 carthusiana	Narrow Buckler Fern, Spinulose woodfern	Fern	1.0	6-8	M	LMH	S	MWe	2	4	2
Dryopteris crassirhizoma	Crown Wood-Fern	Fern	1.0	5-9		LMH	S	M	1	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 cristata - (L.)A.Gray.