Lady fern, Female fern
Athyrium filix-femina

Family: Athyriaceae

What it is like

A clumping fern. It grows 45-90 cm high and wide. The fronds arise from erect rhizomes. They are usually divided into long pointed leaflets. They are finely divided and brittle. They break easily. It loses its fronds in winter months. There are many cultivated varieties.

There are about 180 Athyrium species. Also put in the family Aspleniaceae and Woodsiaceae.

Where it is found

A temperate plant. It is frost hardy. It suits shady, moist situations. It suits hardiness zones 4-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Alaska, Albania, America, Armenia, Asia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Britain, Canada, Caucasus, Central Asia, China, Europe, Georgia, India, Ireland, Japan, Kazakhstan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Mongolia, Nepal, North Africa, North America, Peru, South America, Turkey, Türkiye, USA, Uzbekistan

How it is used for food

The young fiddleheads are steamed and eaten. The underground rootstock and stem are peeled and roasted then eaten. The starch is also extracted.

Edible parts

Leaves, fronds, root

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Unyiu

Synonyms

Many