Find a plant:

OR Browse All Plants


Pteridium aquilinum (Bracken)

Pteridium aquilinum Photo/Illustration: C. Colston Burrell


Be the first to rate this plant

Plant Showcase - from our advertisers


Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Pteridium aquilinum teh-RID-ee-um ak-will-EYE-num Common Name: Bracken Genus: Pteridium
A native fern with triangular-shaped, stiff, upright fronds that can tolerate dry soil and full sun. Bracken can make very large colonies and are found in a variety of habitats ranging from dry and wet forests to meadows and bogs. They grow up to 4.5 feet tall.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Poisonous to livestock. Native. Deep rhizomes allow them to survive fire and a variety of growing conditions.
 Care: Prefers moist, slightly acidic soil and dappled shade, but can tolerate full sun and dry, strongly acidic soil.
 Propagation: Lift the plants while they are dormant and sever the rhizomes with a sharp knife (do not tear apart without cutting). Replant the divisions at the same soil depth and water thoroughly. Propagation also by spores.
 Problems: Infrequent.
Height 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Native; Showy Foliage
Uses , Ground Covers, Naturalizing, Poisonous
Style , Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest , Spring Interest, Summer Interest
Type ,Fern

Plants you might also like

Polystichum munitum Polystichum munitum
(Western sword fern) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Western sword ferns abound in the forests of the Northwestern U.S. They are robust, reliable, and virtually maintenance-free. They put up with difficult soil and manage to keep up appearances even in hot, dry weather. Their deep green, leathery fronds are attractive year-round.
Dennstaedtia punctilobula Dennstaedtia punctilobula
(North American hay-scented fern) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This fern's lacy foliage smells of freshly mown grass and carpets the woodland or a moist, partially sunny site. The green lushness turns golden in the fall. It is a good choice for rapid naturalizing. Use in a woodland garden or near water features.
Polystichum acrostichoides Polystichum acrostichoides
(Christmas fern) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

The Christmas fern is a particularly accommodating garden plant. It is adapted to a wide range of conditions, from very dry to moist, and is hardy to Zone 3. The plant’s 1- to 2-foot fronds are dependably evergreen—hence the common name—but they lie flat on the ground through the winter. Few hardy ferns have more beautiful deep, glossy green foliage.
Adiantum pedatum Adiantum pedatum
(Northern maidenhair fern) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Northern maidenhair fern's curved fronds have wiry black stems that wave in the wind. This plant spreads slowly (by branching rhizomes) and eventually forms large colonies. Its delicate texture looks most beautiful when paired with broad-leaved plants.
Polystichum makinoi Polystichum makinoi
(Makinoi's holly fern) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This evergreen terrestial fern has a somewhat formal look due to its satiny olive-green fronds and neat, arching habit.