Athyrium filix-femina
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| Athyrium filix-femina (L.) Roth |
Athyrium filix-femina (Lady Fern or Common Lady-fern) is a large, feathery species of fern native throughout most of the temperate Northern Hemisphere, where it is often abundant (one of the more common ferns) in damp, shady woodland environments and is often grown for decoration.
The plant grows as single stalks, in circular clusters, rising from the ground unbranched each holding a single frond. The fronds are light yellow-green, 20-90 cm long and 5-25 cm broad; they are deciduous, lasting for only one summer; during winter, they die back and leave a large rhizome patch that will resume growth the next year. Sori appear as dots on the underside of the frond. Fronds are very dissected, being 3-pinnate.
Cultivation and uses
The rhizomes and young fronds are poisonous when raw, but edible after cooking.
References
- Germplasm Resources Information Network: Athyrium filix-femina
- Plants for a Future: Athyrium filix-femina
- Hyde, H. A., Wade, A. E., & Harrison, S. G. (1978). Welsh Ferns. National Museum of Wales.
Source: adapted by the editor from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia; from the article "Athyrium filix-femina". Image Credit.
