Polystichum aculeatum, the hard shield-fern, is an evergreen fern native to Europe. It is most abundant in upland regions of the British Isles and western France, where it benefits from the combination of mild winters and moist summers, but also occurs more locally across most of Europe except northern Scandinavia, northern Russia; in the Mediterranean region it is confined to high altitudes. It grows on steep slopes in woodlands. it is sometimes considered an indicator of the presence of ancient woodlands.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it poisonous?
We have no record of Hard shield fern being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Polystichum andersonii
- Polystichum setigerum
- Polystichum californicum
- Polystichum setiferum
- Polystichum neolobatum
Classification
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Phylum
- Tracheophyta
- Class
- Polypodiopsida
- Order
- Polypodiales
- Family
- Dryopteridaceae
- Genus
- Polystichum
- Species
- Polystichum aculeatum
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