Male Fern

Dryopteris filix-mas

perennial1.2×1 mzone 3–8full shade

Profile

Family: Dryopteridaceae
Habit: perennial
Height: 1.2 m
Spread: 1 m
Growth: medium
Lifespan: 50 years
First yield: after 1 year
Hardiness: zone 3–8
Shade tolerance: full shade
Soil: Sand, Silt, Clay
Soil moisture: dry – very moist
pH: 4.5 – 7.5

ground cover

Uses

Edible1 of 10

Medicinal7 of 10

Other uses3 of 10

Growing

Shady to partly shaded spot on moist, humus-rich soil in woodland understorey; very hardy and low-maintenance. The rootstock is poisonous and was used only with caution as a traditional vermifuge.

⚠️ Hazards

Toxicity: toxic

This is no substitute for expert identification. When in doubt, do not eat it.

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