Worm fern, mean

Authors: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer, Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020

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Synonym(s)

Aspidium filix mas; Dryopteris filix mas; Dryopteris filix-mas; Men's fern

Definition
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Dryopteris filix-mas (from Greek drys/dryos = oak and pteris = fern; fern often growing on old oak trees), the common or true worm fern, is a deciduous plant species that reaches a height of 30cm to 140cm. It belongs to the genus of the worm fern (Dryopteris) within the family of worm fern plants (Dryopteridaceae). The plant is widely distributed in the temperate zones of the northern hemisphere.

General information
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The large leaves Dryopteris filix mas are doubly pinnate and pointed. The worm fern develops a strong rhizome which stores a fatty oil and sugar. Dryopteris filix mas is the parent plant of Rhizoma filicis (Radix filicis), the dried rootstock.
The essential extract of Rhizoma filix-mas was used as a bath worm remedy (roundworm). Today obsolete because of its toxicity.

Note(s)
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Worm fern leaves are deadly for sheep after a few hours, 100 g for cattle after about 4 hours.

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Dryopteris filix-mas;