DERIVATION.--The rhizome of Aspidium Filix-mas. Collected late in the
autumn, divested of its roots, leaves and dead portions, and carefully
dried. Male fern should not be kept more than a year.
HABITAT.--The male fern grows wild throughout most temperate regions, on
the sides of roads and in open woods, especially where the soil is
light.
PROPERTIES.--Its root stock is perennial, about a foot long and two
inches thick; is scaly, tufted, greenish-brown, and firmly fixed in the
ground by numerous black root fibers. The dried root has a disagreeable
odor, and a sweet, astringent, nauseous taste. Powdered male fern should
be freshly prepared and have a bright green color.
DOSE.--The powdered male fern is given to horses and cattle in doses of
4 to 6 ozs.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 4 ozs.; dogs and cats, ¹⁄₂ to 2 ozs.
The powder is bulky, and less certain than the oleoresin of aspidium.