Plant · GBIF taxon 5275132
male fern
Dryopteris filix-masMale fern is a robust woodland fern whose arching twice-divided fronds rise in a shuttlecock from a stout scaly crown. Round sori occur in rows beneath fertile leaf segments and release spores rather than seeds.
Woodland FernSpore ProducerArching Fronds
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Photosynthesis; roots absorb water and mineral nutrients
Predators
- Slugs
- Fern moth larvae
- Browsing mammals
ThreatsWoodland clearance, soil drying, trampling, quarrying, and excessive collection
HabitatsShaded woodland, stream banks, rocky slopes, hedgerows, and cool ravines
Life spanA long-lived perennial that can persist for decades
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyDryopteridaceae
- SpeciesDryopteris filix-mas
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Fern identification is error-prone; never eat or ingest any part based on app identification.
- Why it is dangerous
- Male fern contains compounds that can cause serious poisoning if plant material is swallowed.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- A large shuttlecock-forming fern with scaly stalks and round covered sori beneath divided fronds.
- What to do
- Do not taste or use wild ferns medicinally; wash hands after necessary contact and supervise children.
Responsible observation
- Underside: Look for round sori arranged in rows beneath the frond.
- Growth: Observe the crown without pulling fronds or disturbing the rhizome.
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