Northern lady fern, common lady fern

This fern is said to have vermifuge properties, although this is disputed by some botanists. Taken in excessive quantities, it is an irritating poison that can result in coma. It was used at one time to make a powder to prevent rickets in children, as well as an ointment to heal wounds. Native peoples in the state of Washington used it to ease childbirth pains. In Canada, it was taken as a diuretic. This fern is easy to grow.