Pteridium esculentum subsp. esculentum, commonly known as Bracken Fern, is a deciduous perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, forest edges, and grasslands across much of the world, including parts of Australia, New Zealand, and eastern Asia. It typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) and a width of 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters). This fern is characterized by its large, highly divided leaves that emerge from a central rhizome, giving it a feathery appearance. The fronds are green and can be quite dense, creating a lush groundcover. Bracken Fern is known for its ability to colonize areas rapidly due to its extensive rhizome system.

Bracken Fern is appreciated for its hardiness and ease of maintenance, making it a suitable choice for naturalistic plantings and for stabilizing soil in restoration projects. It thrives in a range of light conditions, from full sun to part shade, and prefers well-drained soil. However, it can be aggressive and may require management to prevent it from becoming invasive in certain regions. In some cultures, parts of the plant are used for culinary purposes, though it should be noted that it contains carcinogenic compounds and should be consumed with caution. It is also associated with certain environmental issues, such as outcompeting native flora and providing habitat for ticks.CC BY-SA 4.0