Spiny Wood Fern, Shield fern
Dryopteris expansa
Family: Dryopteridaceae
What it is like
A fern. It has stout erect rhizomes. The fronds are erect and delicate. They are 30-40 cm high.
There are about 200 Dryopteris species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in cool, moist woods. In north China it grows between 700-1,800 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Alaska, Asia, Canada, China, Europe, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, North America, Russia, USA
How it is used for food
The rootstock is cooked and eaten. It is often cooked in a pit. The fiddleheads are eaten in spring.
Edible parts
Fronds, leaves, root
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Spreading wood fern, Sqw.alm
Synonyms
Nephrodium expansum C. Presl.; and others