Brittle bladder fern
Cystopteris fragilis
Family: Cystopteridaceae
What it is like
A fern. It grows 20-25 cm high. It forms clumps. The brown rootstock is covered with broad brown scales. The fronds occur in tufts and are grey-green. They are lacy and divided once. The segments have irregular lobes and teeth along the edge.
There are between 10 and 20 Cystopteris species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It is frost hardy. It grows in wet rocky crevices at high altitudes. It needs cool, moist, humid conditions. It needs a shady position. In China it has been recorded between 1,500-4,500 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Afghanistan, Africa, Australia, Britain, Central Asia, Chile, China, Europe, Falklands, Himalayas, India, Iran, Japan, Korea, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Middle East, Mongolia, Nepal, North America, Pakistan, Russia, Slovenia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Tajikistan, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, USA
How it is used for food
There are 18 Cystopteris species.
Edible parts
Root
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by spores. Plants are difficult to grow and resent disturbance.
Its other names
Local names
Krhka priščanica