Hard fern, Deer Fern, Ladder fern
Blechnum spicant
Family: Blechnaceae
What it is like
A fern with year round foliage. It grows 30-45 cm high and 45-60 cm wide. It grows in tufts. The sterile fronds form a large flat rosette. They grow almost flat on the ground. They are 15-20 cm long and 3.5 cm across. They have up to 60 pairs of closely set leaflets. The fertile fronds stand very upright from the centre of this. Frond shape can vary. The fertile fronds are 75 cm long.
There are between 150 and 200 Blechnum species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It is frost hardy. It grows in wet acidic soils and peat bogs. The soils need to be lime free. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Britain, Canada, Europe, Luxembourg, North America, USA
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Leaves, fronds, root