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Ferns in the forest have remained since the time of dinosaurs, so some scientists believe. The statement is true, but partially. The perennials that now grow in the forest are only a remnant of the kingdom of flora that inhabited the planet several million years ago. As a result of climate change, most of the oldest plants died. People look for the mystical forest fern flower on Ivan Kupala and believe that it will bring happiness. However, giving is a lot for romantic natures; gardeners value the herbaceous perennial for its unique appearance.
What ferns grow in the forest
Plants of the Dennstedtiaceae family can be found throughout Russia. In the temperate part there are several dozen varieties. The most famous forest perennials with non-wintering leaves are used in gardens.
Forest ferns include:
- Common ostrich - the shape of the leaves resembles an ostrich feather. The most beautiful view is in mid-summer. Recommended for planting as a large bush or to create a background. Fully develops in wet and open areas;
- Scolopendra leaf - in the wild it chooses damp, semi-dark places for growth. Found on limestone soils.In the photo, the Leaflet growing in the forest vaguely resembles a tropical fern;
- Japanese kochedednik is a winter-hardy species. Can grow in the central part of Russia without shelter. A moist, loose, nutritious environment is suitable for this plant. Grows in partial shade. Forest fern is capable of propagation by dividing the bush;
- Chartres shield - grows well in dry, open areas. A well-known remedy in folk medicine;
- Common bracken is an edible plant. Famous and visible in the forests. Appears in late April or early May. Young shoots are revered in the Far East, Japan, and China;
- Brown's multirow - the description indicates that this perennial fern, growing in the forest, has a thick rhizome. Found in shady forests and on limestone soils. Use it to create a group composition.
General description of forest fern
Fern is the common name for spore-bearing plants. They are all similar in appearance. Forest areas are thickened with plantings and thickets of various types. The herbaceous crop is located in the upper and lower tiers of the forest, regardless of the type.
Description of forest fern:
- The height varies, its range is 30-150 cm. Width is 25-30 cm.
- The trunk is small, smooth or scaly.
- The leaves are compound and have a feather-like, serrated shape.
- The color is light or dark green, depending on the place of growth. The leaf consists of a stalk and a plate with characteristic branching.
- Foliage actively participates in the process of photosynthesis and is a carrier of spores, due to which forest ferns reproduce.
- The sori are located under the leaf blade.
- The root system is branched, powerful, well developed.
- The color is dark brown, flat, oblong shape with a curved edge.
Where does fern grow in the forest?
Forest ferns grow on every continent except Antarctica. Favorite habitat in Russia is light forests. They predominate in places where it is damp and warm. Spore-bearing plants prefer light, sandy soils. The ability to grow in conditions of lack of nutrients in the soil is an advantage for forest ferns.
Most often, forest plants are found on open forest edges, hills, and thickets of bushes. They grow in both coniferous and deciduous forests. They often kill low-growing grass in clearings. They grow actively and create continuous, impenetrable thickets. Often a forest plant takes over clearings.
Medicinal properties of forest fern
The main benefit of forest fern is the fight against intestinal parasites. The chemical composition includes phloroglucinol derivatives: albaspidin and aspidinol, as well as flavaspid and fern acids. These substances cause paralysis of the muscles of pathogenic worms.
In folk medicine, the vegetative part and rhizomes are used to treat diseases. Basic recipes from the leaves of a forest plant will be useful in the treatment of:
- congestion in the large intestine and spleen;
- bronchitis;
- helminth infection;
- leukemia;
- radiation sickness;
- joint pain.
A powder is made from dry leaves, and fresh greens are finely chopped. Then add 1 tsp. in a salad or first course.
The beneficial properties of forest fern can surprise even modern doctors. Unique components accumulate in the lower part of the plant. Due to this, a decoction of the roots has cleansing, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. It removes toxins and waste from the body well. This folk remedy helps get rid of headaches, rheumatism, ulcers, and chronic constipation. Promotes the healing of extensive wounds, restores the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
A decoction of forest fern rhizomes is easy to prepare: 10 g of dried natural material is poured into a glass of water. Boil for 1.5-2 hours. Can be taken with honey. This miraculous decoction will help in the treatment of:
- jaundice;
- colds;
- abscesses;
- calf muscle cramps;
- middle ear diseases.
Which types of wild fern are poisonous?
Of the numerous forest species growing in central Russia, Common Bracken and Male Shield are poisonous.
The forest fern Common bracken causes poisoning in animals when consuming green mass. The leaves of the plant contain thiamine, which can cause vitamin deficiency in horses. Another, as yet unidentified, substance causes cancerous tumors in cattle. The development of the disease and the effect depend on the dose. At the same time, when heat treated, Orlyak is a delicious product.
Forest ferns belonging to the genus Shield are the most poisonous. The leaves are low-hazardous, the rhizomes are harmful.The first symptoms of poisoning: vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, visual disturbances, abdominal pain. A state of drowsiness and temporary paralysis develops.
Due to the fact that forest ferns contain toxic substances, medicines made from them have contraindications for use. They are not allowed to be taken during pregnancy, or for people suffering from:
- kidney disease, liver disease;
- stomach ulcer;
- tuberculosis;
- anemia;
- allergic reactions to alkaloids.
Conclusion
Ferns are a common sight in the forest. But not everyone knows how many benefits these plants provide. The unusual composition is able to fight intestinal parasites. The bright, rich taste is appreciated by lovers of food delicacies. And the appearance and low maintenance requirements attract landscape designers.
