Athyrium distentifolium

Alpine lady-fern

Athyrium distentifolium, commonly known as the broad-leaved lady fern, is a resilient perennial fern found in moist, shaded habitats. While primarily valued for its ornamental beauty in lush landscapes, this plant holds significant ethnobotanical interest, traditionally utilized in various cultures for its unique properties in holistic herbal medicine.

  • Scientific name: Athyrium distentifolium
  • Family: Aspleniaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically categorized within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Polypodiinae. It is further classified under the order Polypodiales and the family Aspleniaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is established within the genus Athyrium.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Polypodiinae WCVP
Order Polypodiales WCVP
Family Aspleniaceae WCVP
Genus Athyrium WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Athyrium distentifolium, is recognized by several different common names depending on the region and language. In French, it is referred to as Athyrium des Alpes, while in Czech, it is called papratka horská. Its Finnish name is tunturihiihenporras, and in Icelandic, it is known as Þúsundblaðarós. Additionally, in Polish, the species is commonly called wielec alpejski.
Language Common Name Source
fr Athyrium des Alpes Wikidata
cs papratka horská Wikidata
fi tunturihiirenporras Wikidata
is Þúsundblaðarós Wikidata
pl Wietlica alpejska Wikidata
ru Кочедыжник расставленнолистный Wikidata
sv Fjällbräken Wikidata
nb Fjellburkne Wikidata
cy Rhedynen-Fair Alpaidd Wikidata
be Athyrium alpestre Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several regions in Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the natural landscapes of Finland and Sweden. Additionally, its presence extends to the territories of Norway and Iceland. The species is also documented to inhabit various areas within Great Britain. Together, these locations define the northern reaches of its known range.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Iceland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Poland WCVP
Middle Europe Switzerland WCVP

Chemicals

Athyrium distentifolium has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, coumaric acid, kaempferol, luteolin.

Total chemicals
7
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
3-hydroxybenzoic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
caffeic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
coumaric acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
kaempferol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
luteolin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
protocatechuic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
quercetin 1 ★☆☆☆☆