Shield Fern (Dryopteris dilatata)

Family: Dryopteridaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Dryopteris dilatata is a FERN growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. The seeds ripen from July to September. 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, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young fronds - they must be cooked[172. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Root - cooked. Harvested in the spring and baked. — Young fronds - they must be cooked[172.; Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.; Harvested in the spring and baked.

Habitat & North American Range

Woods, hedgebanks, wet heaths, shady rock ledges and crevices. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)