Pteridium aquilinum

Western Brackenfern

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Common Name: 

Western Brackenfern

Plant Type: 

Foliage color: 

Green

Sun (From 0 to 5): 

Water (From 0 to 5): 

Maximum temperature: 

36°C

Minimum temperature: 

7°C

Maximum height: 

215 cm

Maximum width: 

215 cm

Western Brackenfern (Pteridium aquilinum) - Description

Pteridium aquilinum (bracken, brake or common bracken), also known as "eagle fern," is a species of fern occurring in temperate and subtropical regions in both hemispheres. The extreme lightness of its spores has led to its global distribution. Common bracken was first described as Pteris aquilina by the father of taxonomy, Carl Linnaeus, in Volume 2 of his Species Plantarum in 1753.

Western Brackenfern (Pteridium aquilinum) - Growth

Growth ranges from 2 ft. to 7 ft. tall under full sun or partial shade.

Western Brackenfern (Pteridium aquilinum) - Planting

Divide underground stems in spring.

Western Brackenfern (Pteridium aquilinum) - Interesting facts

It contains a slow carcinogenic poison, and is therefor toxic to livestock. The young leaves of Pteridium aquilinum are widely eaten in Asian cultures, but some nutritional experts argue that the carcinogenic properties cause stomach cancer.

Western Brackenfern (Pteridium aquilinum) - Soil and irrigation

Does well with little to regular water in many places and is often among the first colonizing plants in disturbed soil.

Pteridium aquilinum - Western Brackenfern - Photos