Brittle Bladder Fern (Cystopteris fragilis)

Family: Dryopteridaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Cystopteris fragilis is a deciduous Fern growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. The seeds ripen from July to August. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Root. An emergency food, it is only used when all else fails. — An emergency food, it is only used when all else fails.

Habitat & North American Range

Rocky woods, shady rocks and walls, especially on basic rocks, to 1200 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)