Athyrium rubripes

(Komar.) Kom.

fern

Athyriaceae Edible: Leaves, Fronds Potential hazards — see below 66 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

A small fern reaching 10cm tall. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with a preference for well-drained conditions; can survive in heavy clay and very acidic soils. Grows in full shade (deep woodland) to semi-shade (light woodland) with preference for moist or wet soil. Suitable for mildly acidic, neutral, and basic soils.

Description

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Very young fronds (croziers) - boiled. Some caution is advised. See the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

Although we have found no reports of toxicity for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable. 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.

Distribution

It is a cold temperate plant. It grows at about 800 m above sea level in pine forests in north China and Russia.

Where It Grows

Asia, China, Korea, Russia, Siberia,

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. An easily grown plant, it is calcifuge and prefers an acid soil with a pH from 4.5 to 6.5, but it tolerates alkaline soils if plenty of leaf mould is added. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a moist sheltered site with moderately high atmospheric humidity. Succeeds in a semi-shaded bog-garden or in damp woodland, also in garden borders in full or part shade. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.

Propagation

Spores - surface sow in a pot of sterile compost in a shady part of the greenhouse and keep moist, this is most easily done by putting the pot in a plastic bag. Pot up small clumps of the plants when they are large enough to handle and keep them moist until they are established. Plant out in late spring of the following year. Division in spring as plants come into growth. Larger divisions can be planted straight into their permanent positions whilst smaller clumps are best potted up and kept in a cold frame until they are growing away well.