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