Hard Shield Fern (Polystichum aculeatum)

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

Polystichum aculeatum is an evergreen Fern growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in leaf all year, and the seeds ripen from July to August. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. 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: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Eaten in curries. We have no more details, it is probably the young leaves that are used though it might be the root. — Eaten in curries.; We have no more details, it is probably the young leaves that are used though it might be the root.

Habitat & North American Range

Deciduous woodland, often on limy soils, and sometimes on shaded limestone outcrops. Especially in the wetter areas of Britain. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)