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Blechnum spicant

(L.) Sm.

Deer Fern

Blechnaceae

Blechnum spicant is a species of fern in the family Blechnaceae. It has a circumboreal distribution, and is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental.

Description

Blechnum spicant has two distinct frond forms, sterile and fertile; fertile fronds are more erect than sterile fronds. Sterile fronds are a bright green, narrowly oblanceolate to lanceolate, 20 to 75 cm long and 3 to 14 cm wide. Stalks are red-brown, 2 to 30 cm long, and with a deep groove on the upper side. Sterile fronds are pinnatifid, hairless. They have closely spaced, curved lobes. Lobes are 15 to 35 mm long and 3.5 to 5 mm wide, narrowly linear or oblanceolate, with smooth edges. Fertile fronds are longer than the sterile fronds, 25 to 65 cm long and only 3 to 15 cm wide. They are pinnate, narrowly rhombic, on a dark stalk that is 15 to 60 cm long. Leaflets are linear with smooth edges, and bear sori underneath (FNAEC 1993).

Uses

​Note: Please see the disclaimer regarding any information about medical or edible uses.

Blechnum spicant is sometimes grown as an ornamental. It prefers evenly moist but well-drained soils in the shade. It grows in USDA zones 5 to 8 (MBG). It is also used as an emergency food, but is otherwise eaten by mountain goats and deer, as well as being chewed to quench thirst (Quattrocchi 2012).

Distribution

Blechnum spicant is found in wet coniferous woods and swamps at altitudes of up to 1400 m. In North America in the wild it is found mostly in the coast or in mountain ranges, native to British Columbia, Alaska, Washington, northern Idaho, Oregon, and northern California (FNAEC 1993). It is also found in Europe and northeast Asia (MBG).

Status

References

FNAEC (Flora of North America Editorial Committee), editor. 1993. Flora of North America, north of Mexico. Volume 2: Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms. New York: Oxford University Press.

MBG (Missouri Botanical Garden), Blechnum spicant. Plant Finder. [accessed 2019 Jun 12]. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=242345&isprofile=0&

Quattrocchi, U. 2012. CRC World Dictionary of Medicinal and Poisonous Plants Common Names, Scientific Names, Eponyms, Synonyms, and Etymology. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.

Description
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