Maidenhair Spleenwort, Dense spleenwort, Toothed spleenwort, Brightgreen spleenwort

Asplenium trichomanes

Physical Characteristics

Asplenium trichomanes is an evergreen Fern growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, and the seeds ripen from May to October. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Most temperate regions of the world, including Britain, mountains in the Tropics.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; North Wall. In. East Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Tea The dried fronds have been used as a tea substitute[4].

Medicinal Uses

Demulcent Emmenagogue Expectorant Laxative A tea made from the fronds is sweet, demulcent, expectorant and laxative[4, 240]. It has been used in the treatment of chest complaints[4] and to promote menstruation[257].

Known Hazards

Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[200]. Many ferns also contain thiaminase, an enzyme that robs the body of its vitamin B complex. In small quantities this enzyme will do no harm to people eating an adequate diet that is rich in vitamin B, though large quantities can cause severe health problems. The enzyme is destroyed by heat or thorough drying, so cooking the plant will remove the thiaminase[172].