We have a few edible and medicinal ferns in central Ontario, although ostrich fern is the most popular for fiddleheads. Oh, Merry Christmas fern!
This is going out December 24th – happy holidays, folks!
Christmas fern (Polystichum acrosthichoides) may be common in deciduous or mixed woods around Haliburton, Ontario, usually in damp hummus. It’s this areas only Polystichum spp. Sword fern on the west coast is related. I don’t see xmas fern much, so I am not sure how common it is decades post Haliburton Flora being compiled.
Edible Uses of Christmas Fern
The Christimas fern/ Polystichum spp. fiddleheads can be eaten same as ostrich fern. It’s recommended to boil them 10 min in 2 changes of water to remove any toxins.
Many ferns contain known carcinogens. Most of the edible ones have lookalikes, so like mushrooms it’s extra wise to take a lot of time to properly ID and research. This one is harder to ID as a fiddlehead versus when the fronds are out!
Medicinal Uses of Christmas Fern
Christmas fern is primarily said to support these body systems:
- Integumentary
Medicinal tags include Astringent. See Medicinal tag key for more information.
Common usage includes astringent uses similar to heal-all, but so many other plants are preferred for this.
Alternative Uses of Christmas Dagger
If you run into stinging nettle in the fall, you can rub the xmas ferns spores on your skin to stop the sting. I haven’t tried this to confirm.
Growing Polystichum Acrosthichoides
Christmas fern is most easily bought ready to plant. It likes well drained hummus rich soil. You can plant it along a bank for erosion control. Multiple plants are recommended to start. It’s not a spreader like ostrich fern, but each plant should form a clump.
Some of the fronds, specifically the sterile fronds, will still be green at Christmastime. Hence the name. Although they do flatten after the first hard frost.
All of our winter themed plants this month have a winter ornamental element, though only this and wintergreen are named for it. Partridge-berry is named after the grouse. I suppose if we had a native pear tree I’d of covered it this month too. Oh well!
Have a happy New Year too!
WARNINGS
Many ferns contain known carcinogens and can be hard to tell apart.
And the Usual Cautions:
1) Most medicinal herbs, if edible, are meant to be eaten in moderation, even sparingly. Some require extra preparation. Tannins are toxic if consumed in excess. Before taking any new supplements, you should consult with a healthcare professional.
2) A vast amount of these herbs are diuretic. (See the Medicinal tags above to check if this featured herb is one of them!) Diuretics are generally safe, but they can be risky for people with other medical conditions or who take certain medications. Please consult your doctor if you have any health conditions.
3) People can be allergic or sensitive to nearly any plant; try new herbs one at a time at your own risk. For instance, saponins commonly cause stomach upset.
4) For serious medicinal use, I must recommend receiving a diagnosis and working with a reputed health care provider. I generally do not post specific treatments and dosages because I think that is best between you and your health care provider, and ideally monitored.
5) Anyone pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs should talk to a health care professional before adding new food items to their diet.
6) Many plants have look-a-likes, and sometimes they are poisonous.
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REFERENCES
My new favourite foraging book is Sam Thayer’s Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants of Eastern & Central North America and this plant IS NOT featured in his book. Which to the least means it isn’t a popular edible. I highly recommend this thorough guide for your bookshelves!
Polystichum acrostichoides (Michaux) Schott – Database of Vascular Plants of Canada (VASCAN)
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