Crested Wood Fern (Dryopteris cristata)

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

Dryopteris cristata is an evergreen Fern growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in leaf all year. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

None known. — Harvested fresh in season according to PFAF botanical monograph.

Habitat & North American Range

Damp woods. Swamps, swampy woods or open shrubby wetlandsfrom sea level to 1200 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)