Dryopteris

Dryopters

Dryopteris, commonly known as wood ferns, comprises a diverse genus of non-flowering vascular plants. Renowned for their elegant fronds, many species possess significant medicinal properties. Traditionally, various extracts have been utilized in folk medicine for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anthelmintic effects, serving as vital components in botanical therapies.

  • Scientific name: Dryopteris
  • Family: Polypodiaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Polypodiinae and order Polypodiales, it is further categorized into the family Polypodiaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by the genus Dryopteris.

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

Common Names

This plant, known by various regional names depending on the language, is identified as Nerecznica in Polish, Щитовник in Russian, and alvejuuret in Finnish. In Ukrainian, it is referred to as Папороть, while in German, it is commonly called Wurmfarne.
Language Common Name Source
pl Nerecznica Wikidata
ru Щитовник Wikidata
fi alvejuuret Wikidata
uk Папороть Wikidata
de Wurmfarne Wikidata
hr Paprat Wikidata
az Ayıdöşəyi Wikidata
lt Papartis Wikidata
da Mangeløv-slægten Wikidata
sv Lundbräknar Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions in Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the landscapes of Denmark and Finland. Additionally, its presence extends to the islands of Føroyaar and Iceland. The species is also documented within the territory of Great Britain. Collectively, these locations define its primary geographical range in the northern hemisphere.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Føroyar WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Iceland WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP

Chemicals

Dryopteris has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include bioflavonoids, catechins, procyanidins.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
bioflavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
catechins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
procyanidins 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Dryopteris has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include neuroprotective effects.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
neuroprotective effects 1 ★☆☆☆☆