Dryopteris filix-mas 'Crispa Cristata'

Family: POLYPODIACEAE
Genus: Dryopteris
Species: filix-mas
Cultivar: 'Crispa Cristata'
Common names: Male Fern
Pharmacopoeia Londinensis name: Filix
Distribution summary: N. America, Eurasia
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: H5 - Hardy; cold winter
Garden status: Currently grown
Garden location: Poisons garden (PETO)
Reason for growing: Medicinal, toxic

Additional Notes

The species is toxic due to phloroglucinols.

Professor Anthony Dayan, 2021

The species was previously used as a treatment for tapeworm. No longer used due to toxic side effects.

Podlech, D. (1996). Herbs & Healing Plants of Britain & Europe, Collins p.196

Image Gallery

Previous Next