Fragrant Woodfern
Dryopteris fragrans
Family: Dryopteridaceae
What it is like
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.
Height (m): 0.2
Where it is found
Rocks and screes in Arctic Finland. Shaded cliffs and talus, often of limestone at elevations of 50 -1800 metres in northern N. America.
N. Europe. N. Asia. N. America.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The leaves are made into a tea.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
The plant has been used as a bedding.
Bedding: Used as a lining for sleeping on or putting fruits etc on.
How it is grown
Prefers an acid soil, requiring a well-drained gritty soil in a sunny or shady position. 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. A very ornamental plant.
Propagating it: 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.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; North Wall. In. East Wall. In.
Habit: Fern
Hardiness: 3-7
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Although we have found no reports for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable. 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. 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.