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The fern has been left in the forest since the time of the dinosaurs, according to some scientists. The statement is true, but partially. The perennials that now grow in the forest are just 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 are looking for the mystical flower of the forest fern on Ivan Kupala and believe that it will bring happiness. However, giving is a lot for romantic natures, while gardeners appreciate the herbaceous perennial for its unique look.
What ferns grow in the forest
Plants of the Dennstedtiev family can be found throughout Our Country. 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 the middle of summer. Recommended for planting as a large shrub or as a backdrop. Fully develops in wet and open areas;
- Centipede leaflet – in the wild, it chooses damp, semi-dark places for growth. Found on limestone soils. In the photo, Leaflet growing in the forest vaguely resembles a tropical fern;
- Japanese nomad is a winter-hardy species. Can grow in the Central part of Our Country without shelter. A moist, loose, nutrient medium is suitable for this plant. Grows in partial shade. The forest fern is capable of reproduction by dividing the bush;
- Chartres shield bush – grows well in dry, open areas. A well-known remedy in folk medicine;
- Orlyak Orlyak is an edible plant. Known and visible in the forests. Appears in late April or early May. Young shoots are revered in the Far East, in Japan, China;
- Brown’s multi-row – the description indicates that this perennial fern growing in the forest has a thick rhizome. It occurs in shady forests, on limestone soils. Use it to create a group composition.
General description of the forest fern
Fern is the common name for spore plants. All of them are similar in appearance. Forests are thickened with plantings, thickets of various types. The herbaceous culture is located in the upper and lower tiers of the forest, regardless of the species.
Description of the forest fern:
- The height varies, its range is 30-150 cm. The width is 25-30 cm.
- The trunk is small, smooth or scaly.
- The leaves are compound, feather-like, toothed.
- The color is light or dark green, depending on the place of growth. The leaf consists of a cutting and a plate with characteristic branching.
- The foliage is actively involved in the process of photosynthesis, it is the carrier of spores, due to which forest ferns reproduce.
- Sori are located under the leaf plate.
- The root system is branched, powerful, well developed.
- Color dark brown, flat, oblong shape with a curved edge.
Where does the fern grow in the forest
Forest ferns grow on every continent except Antarctica. The favorite habitat in Our Country is light forests. Predominate in places where it is damp and warm. Spore plants prefer light, sandy soils. The ability to grow in conditions of lack of nutrients in the ground is a virtue for the forest fern.
Most often, forest plants are found on open forest edges, hills, thickets of shrubs. They grow in both coniferous and deciduous forests. Often in a clearing they clog undersized grass. They grow actively and create continuous, impenetrable thickets. Often a forest plant develops clearings.
Medicinal properties of forest fern
The main benefit of the forest fern is the fight against intestinal parasites. The chemical composition includes phloroglucinol derivatives: albaspidin and aspidinol, as well as flavaspidic 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;
- pain in the joints.
Powder is made from dry foliage, and fresh herbs are finely chopped. After adding 1 tsp. in a salad or first course.
The beneficial properties of the 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, analgesic properties. It removes toxins and toxins from the body well. Folk remedy helps to get rid of headaches, rheumatism, ulcers, chronic constipation. Promotes the healing of extensive wounds, restores the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
A decoction of the rhizomes of the forest fern is easy to prepare: 10 g of dried natural material is poured into a glass of water. Boil for 1,5-2 hours. You can take it with honey. Such a miraculous decoction will help in the treatment of:
- jaundice;
- catarrhal diseases;
- abscesses;
- cramps of the calf muscles;
- diseases of the middle ear.
What types of wild ferns are poisonous
Of the numerous forest species growing in Central Our Country, the Orlyak Orlyak and Male Shield are poisonous.
Forest fern Bracken Common causes poisoning in animals when eating green mass. The leaves of the plant contain thiamine, which can provoke beriberi 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, during heat treatment, Orlyak is a delicacy product.
Forest ferns belonging to the genus Shchitovnik are the most poisonous. Leaves – low-hazard, harmful – rhizomes. The first symptoms of poisoning: vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, visual disturbances, abdominal pain. A state of drowsiness, temporary paralysis develops.
Due to the fact that forest ferns contain toxic substances, medicines from them have contraindications for use. It is not allowed to take them during pregnancy, as well as people suffering from:
- kidney disease, liver disease;
- stomach ulcer;
- tuberculosis;
- anemic;
- allergic reactions to alkaloids.
Conclusion
Fern in the forest is a common sight. But not everyone knows how much useful these plants carry. An unusual composition is able to fight intestinal parasites. Bright, rich taste is appreciated by lovers of food delights. And the appearance and undemanding care attract landscape designers.
