Broad Buckler Fern, Shield fern
Dryopteris dilatata

Family: Dryopteridaceae

What it is like

A fern. It grows 60-120 cm high and wide. The rhizome is erect. The fronds are arching, triangular and divided. The fronds are pale green when young and become dark green. The midribs are covered with brown scales with buff brown edges.

There are about 200 Dryopteris species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It is frost hardy. It grows in sheltered gullies in Alaska. It suits hardiness zones 5-8.

Countries/locations it is found in

Alaska, Argentina, Australia, Britain, Europe, Falklands, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Mediterranean, Mongolia, North America, South America, Spain, USA

How it is used for food

The young plant is boiled and eaten with seal oil. It is also added to soup.

Edible parts

Fronds, leaves, root

How it is grown

Young fiddleheads are harvested in the spring.

Its other names

Local names

Ceturqaaraat, Mountain woodfern

Synonyms

Dryopteris austriaca;