Fern

Description:

Athyrium filix-femina (lady fern or common lady-fern) is a large, feathery species of fern nativethroughout most of the temperate Northern Hemisphere, where it is often abundant (one of the more common ferns) in damp, shady woodlandenvironments and is often grown for decoration. Its common names "lady fern" and "female fern" refer to how its reproductive structures (sori) are concealed in an inconspicuous – deemed "female" – manner on the frond. Alternatively, it is said to be feminine because of its elegant and graceful appearance. Athyrium filix-femina is now commonly split into two species, A. angustum (narrow lady fern) and A. asplenioides (southern lady fern). The southern lady fern has a broader frond, especially at the base.

Habitat:

nativethroughout most of the temperate Northern Hemisphere, where it is often abundant (one of the more common ferns) in damp, shady woodlandenvironments

Notes:

The rhizomes and young fronds are poisonous when raw, but edible after cooking.