Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS

Nomenclature

Common Name:

bracken fern

Synonym(s):

Genus species:

Pteridium aquilinum

Family:

Dennstaedtiaceae

Plant Specifics

Form:

fern

Size:

1-4 ft tall by spreads by rhisomes forming large patches

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

NA

Fruit Color:

NA

Phenology:

evergreen,winter dormant

Noted For:

Interesting Foliage

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Groundcover. This is one of the few ferns that can handle sun. Height will depend on variety with bracken ferns from South Florida typically being much larger than those from further north.

Considerations:

In rich soils, may be overly aggressive.

Availability:

Native Nurseries, Friends

Propagation:

Division.

Light:

Full Sun, Part Sun

Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded------------------------------------------------Extremely Dry

Coming Soon!

Usually moist, occasional inundation ---to--- Not wet but not extremely dry

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray

Soil or Other Substrate:

Sand, Loam, Lime Rock

Soil pH:

Acidic but adaptable

Suitable to Grow In:

8A,8B,9A,9B,10A,10B

Ecology

Wildlife:

Native Habitats:

Dry sites. Oak-pine-hickory woodslands. Tolerant of disturbance.

Natural Range in Florida:

Comments:

Ethnobotany:

General Comments:


  • This is one of the world's most widespread species. Multiple subspecies exist  within Florida with two being widespread.

  • Because of its tolerance of acidic soils, this is sometimes used for reclamation of acidic soil areas.

  • Adapted to relatively frequent fire.