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Dryopteris fragrans - (L.)Schott.

Common Name Fragrant Woodfern
Family Dryopteridaceae
USDA hardiness 3-7
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.
Habitats Rocks and screes in Arctic Finland[50]. Shaded cliffs and talus, often of limestone at elevations of 50 -1800 metres in northern N. America[270].
Range N. Europe. N. Asia. N. America.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade
Dryopteris fragrans Fragrant Woodfern


USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. Vol. 1: 19.
Dryopteris fragrans Fragrant Woodfern

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of fern
Dryopteris fragrans is an evergreen Fern growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. 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; North Wall. In. East Wall. In.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Tea

The leaves are made into a tea[177, 183].

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.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Bedding

The plant has been used as a bedding[257].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers an acid soil[200], requiring a well-drained gritty soil in a sunny or shady position[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. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233]. A very ornamental plant[1].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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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

TEMPERATE ASIA: Russian Federation-Western Siberia (Western Siberia), Russian Federation-Eastern Siberia (Eastern Siberia), Russian Federation-Far East (Far East), Russian Federation (Kamcatskij kraj), Japan (Hokkaidô, Honshu) NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada (Northwest Territories, Yukon, Québec, Nova Scotia, Ontario, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia), Greenland, United States (Alaska, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, Minnesota, Wisconsin) EUROPE: Finland, Estonia

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 it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Dryopteris barbigera Fern0.0 -  LMHSM04 
Dryopteris blandfordii Fern0.0 -  LMHSM04 
Dryopteris carthusianaNarrow Buckler Fern, Spinulose woodfernFern1.0 6-8 MLMHSMWe242
Dryopteris crassirhizomaCrown Wood-FernFern1.0 5-9  LMHSM14 
Dryopteris cristataCrested Wood FernFern0.5 4-8  LMHSM04 
Dryopteris dilatataShield FernFern1.2 4-8  LMHSM243
Dryopteris expansaSpiny Wood Fern, Spreading woodfernFern0.4 3-7  LMHFSM231
Dryopteris filix-masMale FernFern1.2 3-8 MLMHSDM243
Dryopteris marginalisMarginal Woodfern, Leather Wood FernFern0.8 3-8 MLMHSM040
Dryopteris odontoloma Fern0.0 -  LMHSM04 
Dryopteris oreadesMountain Male FernFern0.6 5-9  LMHSM04 
Dryopteris schimperiana Fern0.0 -  LMHSM04 
Dryopteris sieboldii Fern0.5 7-10  LMHSM10 
Gymnocarpium dryopterisNorthern oak fernFern0.3 2-7 SLMFSMWe003

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.

 

Expert comment

Author

(L.)Schott.

Botanical References

50200270

Links / References

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