Male fern, Sweet Brake
Dryopteris filix-mas

Family: Dryopteridaceae

What it is like

A large fern. It grows 60-120 cm high and wide. The fronds are spear-shaped and deep glossy green. They are finely divided and they arch so that the tips almost touch the ground. It forms spores prolifically. There are some named cultivated varieties.

There are about 200 Dryopteris species. It is used in medicine.

Where it is found

It is frost hardy. It suits temperate regions and needs moderate shelter. It can grow in moist soils but also survive quite dry conditions. It suits hardiness zones 4-8.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Andamans, Andorra, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Bangladesh, Bosnia, Britain, Canada, Caucasus, Central America, Central Asia, Chile, China, Egypt, Europe, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, New Zealand, North Africa, North America, Northeastern India, Norway, Pakistan, Russia, Scandinavia, Slovenia, South America, Spain, Tajikistan, Turkey, Türkiye

How it is used for food

Caution: This fern is toxic. It is used in medicine. The root is crushed and used in porridge and bread. The leaves are used in pickles and a walnut dish in Georgia.

Edible parts

Fronds, leaves, root, caution

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from spores at a temperature of 15°C. They can also be grown by division of the plant.

Its other names

Local names

Chaduna, Dhekishak, Muska paprat, Navadna glistovnica

Synonyms

Aspidium filix-mas;