Bracken Fern

Pteridium aquilinum

perennial2×3 mzone 3–9partial shade

Profile

Family: Dennstaedtiaceae
Habit: perennial
Height: 2 m
Spread: 3 m
Growth: fast
Lifespan: 50 years
First yield: after 1 year
Hardiness: zone 3–9
Shade tolerance: partial shade
Soil: Sand, Silt, Clay
Soil moisture: very dry – very moist
pH: 3.5 – 7

ground cover

Uses

Edible3 of 10

Medicinal4 of 10

Other uses5 of 10

Growing

Spreads by rhizomes on acidic, well-drained soils in partial shade to sun; very invasive and hard to contain. Do not grow for consumption because of carcinogenic compounds.

⚠️ Hazards

Toxicity: highly toxic

This is no substitute for expert identification. When in doubt, do not eat it.

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