Bracken Fern

(Pteridium aquilinum)

Bracken Fern (Pteridium aquilinum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Pteridium aquilinum, commonly known as Bracken Fern, is a deciduous perennial herb that is widespread, native to a variety of habitats including temperate and subtropical regions, open woodlands, heathlands, and moorlands across North America, Europe, Asia (including Siberia), the Mediterranean, and New Zealand. It can grow up to 3 meters tall, forming large, triangular fronds that die back to ground level in autumn. The fronds are highly divided and have a coarse texture, with the sporangia forming sori arranged in narrow brown bands on the underside. These release spores typically from July to September. The plant is known for its ability to dominate the understorey of woodlands, which can reduce biodiversity.

Bracken Fern is valued for its hardiness and ability to cover large areas, making it suitable for use in reclamation projects and as a ground cover in large-scale naturalistic plantings. However, it is not commonly used in small gardens due to its aggressive growth. It thrives in acidic soils and prefers full sun to part shade. While it requires medium amounts of water, it is also drought-tolerant once established. Gardeners should be cautious as Pteridium aquilinum is known to be potentially invasive outside its native range and can be difficult to eradicate once established.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Fern
  • Height: 3-4 feet
  • Width: 4-5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

native to a variety of habitats including temperate and subtropical regions, open woodlands, heathlands, and moorlands across North America, Europe, Asia (including Siberia), the Mediterranean, and New Zealand

Other Names

Common Names: Eagle Fern, Bracken, Brake Fern, Ørnebregne, Gewöhnlicher Adlerfarn, Adlerfarn, Fougère Des Aigles, Fougère-Aigle, Fougère-Aigle Commune, Grande Fougère

Scientific Names: , Pteridium aquilinum, Pteridium aquilinum subsp. typicum, Filix aquilina, Pteris heredia, Pteris aquilina var. languinosa, Pteridium aquilinum subsp. capense, Pteridium aquilinum var. lanuginosum, Pteridium latiusculum, Pteris aquilina

GBIF Accepted Name: Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn