Go to Midwest Weeds Home Page

Bracken Fern, Western Bracken Fern

Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn

Dennstaedtiaceae

Colony of fern at edge of, and in open woods ▲▼

Closer view of bracken fern fronds

Individual stem in a colony

Several individual stems in a colony

Bracken Fern

·         Creeping perennial native fern that produces rhizomes

·         Individual 3-part fronds appear from spring through summer, and each frond is very finely divided

·         Stems usually green at first, then purplish

·         Ccan form large, open colonies in partially-shaded to shaded, fertile, high-organic matter, well-drained soils

·         Toxic to livestock if grazed or if cut hay

·         Found throughout Midwest in open, moist woods, clearings, meadows, pastures streambank areas

 

Go to Midwest Weeds Home Page