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Common Name:

General Information

Dryopteris sieboldii is a Fern up to 0.50 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

Although we have found no reports for this species, a number of ferns contain carcinogens so some caution is advisable[].
The fresh plant contains 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[]. However, there have been reports for other species of ferns suggesting that even cooked fronds can have a long term harmful effect. Some caution is therefore advised.

Botanical References

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Range

E. Asia - S. China, Japan.

Habitat

Woods, C. and S. Japan[]. On the rather dry floor of mountain forests[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Fern
Height	0.50 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers an acid to neutral soil, succeeding in ordinary fertile soil in a shady position. Prefers a moist soil[], but plants are drought tolerant when established[].
This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[]. It is best grown in a greenhouse in many parts of Britain[].
A very ornamental plant[].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[].

Edible Uses

Root - dried and ground into a powder[]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Spores - can be sown at any time of the year in a greenhouse. Surface sow on a sterilised compost and keep moist, possibly by placing the pot in a plastic bag. Germinates in 1 - 3 months at 20°c. Pot up small clumps of the plants when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a shady part of the greenhouse until large enough to plant out.
Division in spring. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.