Tree Fern (Dicksonia antarctica)

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

Dicksonia antarctica is an evergreen Fern growing to 9 m (29ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

rich in starch but also contains tannin and is astringent. — The pith in the upper part of the trunk just below the growing point is eaten raw or roasted.; It is rich in starch but also contains tannin and is astringent.; Descriptions of the taste vary from bitter to sweet, astringent and like a bad turnip.; The core of the plant near the growing tip is used.

Habitat & North American Range

Damp sheltered woodland slopes and moist gullies. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)