Ressurection Fern
Cheilanthes pteridioides

Family: Pteridaceae

What it is like

Cheilanthes pteridioides is an evergreen Fern growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.2

Where it is found

Grows amongst stones.

S. Europe.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The plant is said to be used as a tea substitute.

Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Difficult to grow in the garden, requiring part shade (but full sun in the winter in temperate regions), low humidity and infrequent waterings. It requires a very well-drained soil with some lime. One report says that the plant is hardy to zone 8, tolerating temperatures down to about -5° c and therefore succeeding outdoors in the mildest parts of Britain. However, another report says that the plants require a minimum winter temperature of 10°c. The foliage shrivels and appears to be dead during prolonged periods of drought, rehydrating when the rain returns. The bruised, and especially the dried, foliage has a scent of newly mown hay due to the presence of coumarin. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.

Propagating it: Spores - best surface sown as soon as they are ripe in a greenhouse and do not allow the compost to dry out. Placing the pot in a plastic bag helps to maintain a humid atmosphere which promotes germination and growth. Prick out small clumps into pots when they are large enough to handle and keep moist until established. Grow on in a greenhouse for at least the first winter and plant out in late spring.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Fern

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable. Many ferns also contain 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.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. fragrans. (L.f.)Sw.