Also known as Western bracken, bracken fern, or simply bracken, the Western bracken fern is from the Dennstaedtiaceae family of plants. It is native to the United States. Botanically, it is known as Pteridium aquilinum.
Western Bracken Fern Description
Growing one to four feet high, this shade fern is a perennial with furry silvery fiddleheads and dark to light green feathery fronds. It does not flower. It is an aggressive colonizing fern with roots that can be as far down as 10 feet into the ground.
Growing Guide
Plant in partial shade to full shade in any acidic soil. It will tolerate dry soil but not flooding. Propagate by root division when the plant is dormant.
Distribution
This native fern is seen in the states of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Florida, Iowa, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, New Hampshire, North Dakota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and Wyoming. It is seen in swamps, marshes, fields, thickets, and woodlands.
Warnings
All parts of the fern are poisonous due to a glycoside and thiaminase. There is a potential for low toxicity if the plant is ingested.
Food Usage
According to the Poisonous Plants of North Carolina, young tight-furled fiddleheads are edible in early spring after removing papery scales. Soak in salt water for several hours and then cook on low for 20 minutes. Serve like greens after draining.
Source: NPIN