PTERIDOPH YT A— FERN S 



317 



Distribution. In moist woods from Nova Scotia to British Columbia and 

 Alaska, California, Utah, Arkansas and Georgia, also found in Asia. 



Medicinal properties. The Maidenhair Fern has a bitterish aromatic taste 

 and was formerly much used as a demulcent; it is probably poisonous. The 

 European A. Capiltus-Vcneris was used in catarrhal affections. 



Pteris 



Fronds once to twice pinnate, coming from a stout root-stock, usually large 

 plants; sporangia in a continuous slender line occupying the entire margin of 

 the fern frond and covered by the narrow edge which forms a continuous 

 membranaceous indusium. Pteris and Pteridium are usually separated; about 

 100 species in the genus Pteris. 



Pteris aquilitM, L,. Common Brake 



Frond dull green, from 2-3 feet high, ternate at the summit of an erect 

 stout stalk; variable in height from 1-6 feet.; stipe coming from a black root- 

 stock; the spreading branches twice pinnate, branches oblong-lanceolate. 



Fig. 121a. Maiden fern {Adiantum pedatum). 

 Am. Agriculturist). 



Fig. 121b. Brake (Pteris aquilina). The roots 

 and stems of this plant are poisonous. The root- 

 stocks contain a starch which is sometimes used aa 

 food. (Ada Hay den). 



