bracken
Pteridium aquilinum
USDA zones3 to 10
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles dry to wet soil
Size3 to 4 feet tall4 to 5 feet wide
- Habit
- Herb , fern
- Bloom color
- Non-flowering
- Foliage color
- Dark to light green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) is a fern for ground cover, woodland, and naturalized areas. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and dry to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Silvery, furry fiddleheads emerge in early spring. The roots spread aggressively and run deep, so give it plenty of room. It also gives shelter to small animals.
Pairs well with Solomon's seal, Bellwort, and American aspen.
Native range
Northern Hemisphere.