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Bracken Ferns - A Complete Information Guide

Introduction to Bracken Ferns

This article has everything you need to know about Bracken ferns. From their growing habits to ideal planting conditions, we try to answer all your fern-related questions. Whether you are an avid gardener or a beginner plant enthusiast, the Bracken fern can add a natural, lush look to your garden.

Historical and Biological Overview

The Bracken fern is a member of the Dennstaedtiaceae family. Its binomial Latin name, Pteridium aquilinum, means 'eagle’s wings'. It was given that name because of its triangular shape, similar to the wings of an eagle. Ferns are prehistoric plants that have been around for millions of years. That means that the fern you have in your garden is a fern that dinosaurs would have seen. These are some of the oldest plants in the world! While ferns are considered a plant, they are in a different phylum or division than most other garden plants. Unlike most plants you may find in a nursery, ferns reproduce by spores. Male Bracken ferns have sori on them which are dots on the leaves that release spores into the natural surroundings. From the spores, new ferns can grow. Bracken ferns can also spread through their root system. They can develop an extensive, far-reaching root system. From their roots or rhizomes, new sprouts can form and grow more ferns.

Identifying and Growing Bracken Ferns

Bracken ferns are easy to identify with their tapered, triangular fronds. They grow to an average height of around 3 feet but can grow as tall as seven feet. Their spread ranges from three to five feet. Along their triangular fronds, they have pinnate leaflets. The sori, or fruit dots from which the spores originate, are located on the edges of the leaflets. 

Where Does the Bracken Fern Grow

Bracken ferns have been located on all continents except Antarctica. These ferns have grown in woodlands, fields, marshes, roadsides, and locations that have been scorched by fire. They thrive in sandy soils and can tolerate being planted in rocky soils. They prefer acidic soils and are not often found in alkaline soils. Contrary to popular belief, some ferns don’t need full shade. Most do best with partial sunlight and others require full sun. The Bracken fern can tolerate full sun but will do best when it has occasional shade throughout the day.

The Spreading Nature of Bracken Ferns

The Bracken ferns rootstock has a spreading habit. The underground rhizome can spread great distances. A single root can spread up to 20 feet! Because of this, Bracken ferns are known to fill in large areas of ground. Due to their spreading nature, we do not recommend Bracken ferns for formal gardens unless they are containerized. Instead, we suggest planting them in woodland gardens where they can take up a lot of space. Bracken ferns are deciduous perennials, meaning that they will return year after year. Because they are deciduous plants, Bracken ferns will lose their foliage in winter and their vegetation will die back. In spring, young fiddleheads will appear and eventually form fronds.

Toxicity and Safety Concerns

We do not recommend you plant the Bracken fern in areas where livestock is present due to its toxicity. If ingested once, the Bracken fern is not acutely toxic. However, if this fern is consumed by livestock regularly, it can cause central nervous system disease. There is a chemical in ferns that can deplete an animal's thiamin reserves. Humans should not ingest ferns or fern parts. Historically, some cultures have eaten fiddleheads, the young, curled fern sprouts. However, researchers have determined that fiddleheads have some carcinogenic compounds. This means that fiddleheads if eaten in excess, have the potential to cause cancer. Fortunately, most people and animals avoid eating ferns, so toxicity is rarely an issue.

Benefits and Reasons to Buy a Bracken Fern

These ferns are sturdy, resilient plants. A single plant can fill in a woodland space in the span of a few years. They are low to no-maintenance plants that thrive with almost no care. They give woodland gardens a truly natural feel. They add dense foliage to a woodland providing the space with texture and a sense of unity.

Growing Conditions

When buying a Bracken fern, first ensure you have the ideal growing conditions. Ferns are notorious spreaders and need space to expand. The Bracken fern is no exception and thrives in spacious woodland gardens. This fern is one of the most recognized ferns out there. It is native to eastern North America and thrives in acidic and sandy soils.

Ideal Conditions and Varieties

This perennial fern should be planted in gardens where it has room to spread. 

Zones: 3 to 9
Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade
Mature height: average of 3 feet but can grow up to 7 feet
Water: Average to dry
Best for woodlands and pots. 

If you aren't sold on the Bracken fern, no worries. There are plenty of other ferns to choose from:

New York Fern

The New York fern has similarly shaped fronds as the Bracken fern but grows lower to the ground. It has a spreading habit, so we recommend it for containers or woodland gardens. 

Zones: 3 to 8
Sun exposure: Full shade
Mature height: average of 2 to 3 feet
Water: moist
Best for woodlands, shaded gardens, and containers 

Hay-Scented Fern

The Hay-Scented fern gets its name from its mild grassy smell. It is a versatile perennial fern that can grow in rocky, sandy, or moist soils. The Hay-scented fern makes an excellent ground cover for shade gardens. 

Zones: 3 to 9
Sun exposure: Part sun to part shade
Mature height: up to 3 feet
Water: Average
Best for woodlands and pots 

Cinnamon Fern

The Cinnamon fern is a lush perennial fern that grows in bogs and woodlands. Its fronds can grow up to five feet making them an ideal low-screen woodland plant. They have a spreading habit like the other ferns, so they will do best in open spaces or pots.

Zones: 3 to 9
Sun exposure: Part sun to part shade
Mature height: from 3 to 5 feet
Water: Average
Best for woodlands and containers 

Sensitive Fern

Sensitive ferns are deciduous perennial ferns. Their leaves will die off in winter, but new fiddleheads will form again in spring. This low-growing fern thrives in part sun and will add a natural look to any woodland garden. 

Zones: 3 to 9
Sun exposure: Part sun to part shade
Mature height: up to 2 feet
Water: Average
Best for woodlands and pots

Fern Variety Packs

If you are not sure which fern you prefer, we sell several variety packs. With this option, you can receive shade-loving ferns and sun-loving ferns, tall ferns and ferns that grow lower to the ground. You will likely receive a Bracken fern plus plenty of others. This way you can decide what suits your style without having to compromise.

Shade Fern Package (10 plants) 

Big fern Grab Bag (25 plants)

Fern Collection (15 plants)

If you have any more questions about the Bracken Fern or other ferns (or any plant for that matter) feel free to reach out to us! We love talking plants with anyone who has questions-- that's what we're here for!

Bracken Fern - TN Nursery

Bracken Fern

Bracken Fern, or Pteridium aquilinum, is a captivating and ubiquitous fern species that thrives in a wide range of habitats across the globe. This perennial plant, which belongs to the Dennstaedtiaceae family, is a prime example of nature's adaptability and resilience.; Enhance the Look of Your Home With Bracken Fern Brown stems covered with silvery gray hair are characteristic of them. Their typical flowering time is in early spring. Their compound leaves are two or three times as numerous as their triangular leaves. These leaves can be anywhere from two to four feet long and up to three feet in width. An intricate whorl of three leaves forms at the very base of the stem. Starting in the middle to the end of June and continuing into late summer, spores begin to grow on the underside of the leaves. After the first heavy frost in the spring, the fronds will begin to grow again. By the end of summer, the fronds begin to change color, going from brown to a beautiful copper or gold that complements any vivid fall foliage. Add Natural Habitats for Animals  The thick canopies they create keep the soil wet, which in turn creates a humid microclimate that's home to many different kinds of plants and animals. They are also an important part of the habitat's biodiversity since they provide a food source for some animals, like rabbits. They are perfect for building nests because they have plenty of fibrous fronds, which many birds and small animals use for this purpose. Create Beautiful Edges and Borders With Native Fern Plants They provide a gentle and realistic border that goes well with garden settings. They are great for adding winter beauty to garden borders because of their evergreen leaves. For garden borders in regions prone to deer, they are a good option since they are usually resistant to deer grazing. Make Your Soil Healthier With Native Plants By decomposing leaf litter, bracken ferns improve soil structure, increase microbial activity, and supply organic matter to the soil. This makes the soil healthier. The fibrous roots of these plants improve drainage and lessen soil compaction by aerating the soil. They also help with nutrient cycling by absorbing and releasing nutrients, which stabilizes soil and prevents erosion.

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New York Fern - TN Nursery

New York Fern

The New York Fern is a native, deciduous species with delicate, lacy fronds and a distinctive appearance, commonly found in Eastern North American woodlands. These medium-sized, deciduous plants offer a delightful display of yellow-green fronds that carpet the forest floor. The appearance of this plant is that it is blade-shaped with triangular blades. The plant's blade is most comprehensive in the middle and tapers sharply at both ends. The New York Fern is a type of plant that grows well throughout the eastern part of North America, and it's found in large numbers throughout New York. This perennial might just be what you need to fill certain spaces in your yard that would benefit from greenery but might not as be as friendly towards some of the flowers that currently occupy your space. Let's see why this plant might be a good fit in your current landscape. New York Fern Reduces Soil Erosion and Weed Growth These plants are typically used as groundcover in areas where grass and other plants don't do as well. As a result, filling these spaces comes with some benefits. First, this plant takes root to prevent soil erosion in areas where soil isn't being kept in place by root systems. As an added benefit, the growth of this lush green plant throughout your yard makes it difficult for weeds to take root, preventing unwanted weed growth. New York Fern Can Improve the Air Quality Around You These plants are adept at capturing pollutants from the air and making it so that you can breathe a bit easier and enjoy your outdoor space. If you're someone who's constantly being bothered by dust or pollen, consider adding this plant to your landscape along with others that are known to improve air quality. The New York Fern Is a Good Cover for Wildlife Without the Risk of Being Eaten Biodiversity is important on any property, and you'll find that this plant is a friend to local wildlife. For example, this ground cover is known to serve as a great cover for certain animals like toads. The better news? It's not a plant that's typically sought after by larger animals like deer, which means that it will provide cover for other animals until the cold weather comes in. Grows Fast and Gets Thicker With Time This plant is a fast-growing plant that will quickly establish itself in your space, and trailing rhizomes will constantly be shooting up additional fronds that provide an even thicker look to your space. If you're looking for something that's hard to ruin and will start thriving in certain spaces almost immediately, this is the ground cover to go with.

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Hay Scented Fern - TN Nursery

Hay Scented Fern

The Hay-Scented Fern is a deciduous fern known for its delicate, finely divided fronds and a distinctive fragrance reminiscent of freshly mown hay when crushed, commonly found in woodland areas. It is a versatile and attractive plant with numerous landscaping benefits. This deciduous plant is native to North America and can be valuable to garden designs, incorporating texture, ground cover, and visual interest. Hay Scented Fern is native to the open woodlands. Whether it's growing in a pot, adding charm to gardens, or providing flawless ground cover, the natural elegance of the plant can enhance any space. Decorative Attributes of  Hay Scented Fern Also known as dennstaedtia punctilobula, this classy and stylish greenery is both functional and decorative in a laid-back kind of way. The plant has narrow fronds that create bright green leaves throughout the spring and summer. In fall, the fronds turn golden yellow to provide a stunning display of seasonal color. These plants provide superior ground cover, and because of their decorative qualities, the fragrant ferns can add texture and splashes of bright greenery to shade gardens. The greenery also makes a unique and striking border for garden beds. Amazing Fragrance Of Hay Scented Fern Scented types exude an aroma of freshly cut hay in the late summer. That's how this plant got its name. The wonderful aroma smells like summer itself, with the fragrance of freshly mowed lawns hanging sweetly in the warm air. The fresh, summery fragrance is released into the air when the stems are disturbed or broken. Perhaps because of the scent, the plant repels rabbits and deer, which many gardeners appreciate. Fall Foliage Of Hay Scented Fern Because these plants are deciduous, they lose their leaves in late fall and early winter. Nevertheless, because they are shade perennials, the plants produce fresh growth throughout the spring and summer. Garden Display Of Hay Scented Fern Unlike many other species, this plant has individual fronds that grow almost straight up from an underground stem called a rhizome. Plants can be up to two feet tall and four feet wide. The feathery, finely textured fronds are appreciated for their lush and abundant appearance. After emerging from the creeping underground stems, the fronds spread slowly, forming clusters of bright green carpeting over the ground. Abundant little leaflets give the fronds their lush, feathery appeal. The small leaflets have finely serrated margins and pointy, lance-shaped tips that are positioned alternately along the length of the stem. The fronds provide a stunning explosion of vibrant green foliage that makes a stunning backdrop for any surrounding landscape.

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Cinnamon Fern - TN Nursery

Cinnamon Fern

The Cinnamon Fern is a large type of deciduous plant characterized by its distinctive, cinnamon-colored fertile fronds standing upright in the plant's center. It is a captivating and versatile plant with numerous landscaping benefits. This plant, native to eastern North America, has become famous for gardeners and landscapers due to its aesthetic appeal, adaptability, and environmental contributions. Cinnamon Fern grows to a height of some 6 feet and spreads out about 4 feet on its black stalks. The unfurled pinnae are Kelly green on top, while the fronds in the center of the plant, which give it its name, are dark brown and resemble sticks of cinnamon because they grow straight up. Cinnamon Fern In The Springtime Early in the spring, the central fronds that turn brown later start out life as silver-colored fiddleheads. They're covered in fur, too, charmingly "shaking off the cold of winter." The broad fronds on the stalks form a cute rosette around the central stalks. The silver fiddleheads match well with Fescue or Brunner. Those fiddleheads appear early in the year when the top of the fern is clumped together in a cute bundle. As the Cinnamon Fern Opens When the fiddleheads are ready to open, the silver hair on them turns brown and clings to the base of the pinnae as they expand to their full glory. The large, broad pinnae on 3-foot fronds is the sterile variety. In the center of the plant, the cinnamon-colored fronds with much smaller pinnae are the fertile fronds. The plant's attractiveness comes from the contrast between the two frond types. Secondarily, the contrast between the expanded fronds and any nearby silver flowers, which they used to match, is equally striking in effect. When it comes to the sterile fronds, they can hold almost two dozen pinnae that taper gently in size from large to small, creating a shape that almost resembles a palm frond made up of pinnae. The Sporangia Of The Cinnamon Fern This plant doesn't have sori. Instead, it has sporangia that surround the stalk of the fertile frond. These turn brown as they open and give the plant its name. Up close, they're made up of tiny dots that wrap around the stalk in fine, beautiful shapes. From the time the plants peek through until the fiddleheads unfurl, it is about a week during the spring. During this time, you can see the shape of the pinnae and fronds develop and become full members of the garden for that year. Cinnamon Fern The Focal Point These ferns make an attractive, striking, and attention-grabbing entry in any garden, and because they're perennial, they'll be back every year to be a lovely garden anchor.

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Sensitive Fern - TN Nursery

Sensitive Fern

The sensitive fern is a hardy, deciduous plant with finely dissected fronds that curl up when touched or exposed to frost, making it a unique and interesting addition to damp woodland gardens. A sensitive fern is a beloved plant that gets its name due to its sensitive nature, preferring certain environments that are mostly warm and humid. But despite its name, it's one that you shouldn't overlook if you live in a region that it can grow in. Let's take a look at why this perennial plant is a must-have for your landscape. Sensitive Fern Produces a Stunning Spectacle When Planted in Greater Numbers This plant looks good on its own, but it produces a lush, green, thick spectacle that easily adds something more to any space when you plant multiple of these perennials together. The lobed leaves blend together and reach up and out at a maximum height of about two feet. If you want to add some volume and life to spaces that need it most, consider adding several of these plants to your landscape. They may even spread naturally with time. Sensitive Fern Acts As a Home for Wildlife These plants grow in areas where wildlife flourishes, which means that they play an important role in the ecosystem. Speaking of its more practical uses, small animals like frogs and salamanders will use the leaves of this plant to take cover and escape from the heat. If you're looking for plants that are friends with and attractors of wildlife, this one will be an excellent fit for your space. Wildlife Feed on Sensitive Fern, But Won't Eradicate Your Plants This plant also serves as source for animals and insects, but you won't have to worry about the wildlife population in your area decimating your plants before you're able to enjoy them. This plant is both deer and rabbit-resistant, with larger animals only taking a few of the leaves or avoiding them entirely. This ensures that your plants still contribute positively to the environment but aren't at risk of being wiped out by animals. Sensitive Fern Can Serve As Greenery in More Bare Areas Where more common plants are unable to grow, groundcover like this plant is the perfect solution. Adding height and color to more moist and humid areas of your property, these perennials take root and help your property look less bare, supporting the areas in your yard that need it most.

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Shade Fern Package - 10 Plants - TN Nursery

Shade Fern Package - 10 Plants

Shade Fern Package - 10 Plants is the perfect solution for adding lush greenery and a touch of elegance to any shady area of your home or garden. This thoughtfully curated collection of ten different fern varieties is specifically chosen to thrive in low-light conditions, making it ideal for those challenging spots where other types struggle to flourish. Shade Fern Package - 10 Plants Enjoy Colorful Blossoms Shade Fern Package - 10 Plants lack seeds and flowers but make up for them with their stems, leaves, and roots. They proliferate either vegetatively or through the release of spores. As soon as the earth is warm enough, ferns often start sprouting new fronds in the early to mid-spring. Their springtime sprouting time varies depending on whether they're in a cooler or warmer climate. New fronds unfurl as they grow; they are known as fiddleheads. Their three-to-four-foot-tall, medium-green, vase-shaped fronds eventually cover vast areas, creating an eye-catching, verdant groundcover, especially when planting ten or more. They are available in a rainbow of hues, from copper and silver to gold, green, and even purple. Create Vertical Backdrops With The Shade Fern Package - 10 Plants When grown in thick clusters, their feathery fronds provide an impression of density and texture that is ideal for filling up vertical areas. They are great for use as living screens or green walls in places where others might struggle to grow. They are available in a wide range of sizes and feature varying growth habits. This makes them especially ideal for creating unique garden designs. Design a Fern Meadow or Maze With The Shade Fern Package - 10 Plants Because of their versatility and natural growth behavior, shade ferns are perfect for making a flower meadow. Their rich mat of feathery leaves can flourish in a variety of settings. Their varied textures and green colors provide a perfect display in a meadow environment, where they complement each other and evoke images of wild and lovely countryside. Outline Garden Borders and Walkways With Shade Fern Package - 10 Plants Because of their unobtrusive look, they are perfect for lining walkways and gardens. They are available in a variety of textures, so you can choose the perfect one to complement your garden or pathway. These textures can range from soft and delicate to rough and dense. Some get really tall, while others stay short. There are glossy varieties, drab variants, evergreen versions, and deciduous types. When mixing a flower package with other shadow-loving types, they make for a beautiful leaf display.

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25 Big Ferns Grab Bag - Get 25 Ferns Chosen Perfectly For Your Zone - TN Nursery

25 Big Ferns Grab Bag - Perfectly For Your Zone

Transform your living space into a lush, tranquil oasis with the Fern Variety - 25 Plants. This exquisite collection features a diverse array of species carefully curated to bring elegance and natural beauty to your home, office, or garden. With their feathery fronds and rich green hues, these plants will captivate your senses and create a soothing atmosphere wherever they are placed. 25 Big Ferns Grab Bag can be an excellent tool to help add color and diversity to your yard or to a given landscape. They can be used to add ground cover, to add privacy, or to cut down on the noise that comes from your neighbor's homes. They can help you get the landscape that you want without a lot of time or hassle. Chosen For Your Zone!  They allow you to get all of the different species that you could possibly want with one purchase. This saves you time because you don't have to go back to the store or wait days for several online orders to arrive. You also save money because a bulk purchase is typically less expensive than buying everything you need at once. What Does TN Nursery's Grab Bagsw Look Like? You may be wondering just how much variety you can get from each plant that you buy from your bulk order. These plants can range from just a few inches tall to as much as 6 feet tall. Therefore, you can use smaller plants to cover the ground while using taller ones to line your garden or to protect your landscape from erosion. Other Great Uses These types of plants are ideal for barren landscapes or those that have been devastated by a fire or other type of natural disaster. This is because they can grow in rocks, along marshes, or in other areas that possess sufficient space and moisture. Often, the presence of these plants will lead to the introduction of oaks or other trees. Shade Thriving Specialty Plants This type of plant is similar to moss in that it propagates with spores instead of seeds or flowers. However, they are different in that they have a vascular system that helps them get water and other nutrients in the ground. Of course, this does mean that they can be used to soak up extra water that might otherwise pool or pool on your property after a major storm. Which Types Could We Include in Your Landscaping TN Nursery grows some of the most popular fern species, committed to vigorous plants that will last for years. Here are a few of them we cultivate at our central Tennessee nursery: ● Royal Type ● Ostrich Type ● Giant ostrich Type ● Glade Type ● Hay-scented Type ● New York Type ● Cinnamon Type ● Fiddlehead Type ● Leatherwood Type ● Maidenhair Type ● Christmas Type ● Bracken Type

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15 Ferns - TN Nursery

15 Ferns

They have long been cherished for their lush green foliage and graceful fronds, and this carefully curated assortment showcases the diversity and charm of these beloved plants. This collection will captivate your senses and bring a refreshing atmosphere to your home or garden. PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE ARE A COLLECTION OF FERNS, NOT SPECIFIC. WE CHOOSE TYPES THAT WORK BEST FOR YOUR ZONE ACCORDING TO YOUR ZIP CODE What Might We Include in The Fern Variety Set? T.N. Nursery grows healthy plants and several popular species. We produce the following species at our nursery in central Tennessee: ● Royal Type ● Cinnamon Type ● Fiddlehead Type ● Ostrich Type ● Sensitive Type ● Leatherwood Type ● Maidenhair Type ● Giant ostrich Type ● Bracken Type ● New York Type ● Christmas Type ● Glade Type ● Hay-scented Type None of these species suits every growing zone. But you don't need to worry about that--leave your selection of them to our knowledgeable staff. Our experts are here to help! 15 Ferns With their distinctive traits, they are easy to spot in a garden. These plants are often associated with tropical and subtropical environments, which creates a special ambiance in the areas where they are planted. With 15 varieties available, you could easily discover an option that will thrive and add character to your yard or garden. Beautiful Fronds For Shaded Areas One of the most distinguishing qualities of the fern plant is the fronds. While there are variations between the different varieties, the fronds are typically long and taper into a point. As they taper in size, they are evenly spaced. On each front, you will find numerous pinna, which are comprised of smaller pinnules of some varieties. The combination of pina and pinnules creates a detailed look that adds personality and texture to the areas where they are planted.  Deciduous or Evergreen? Among the different varieties available, you can find both evergreen and deciduous options. The evergreen varieties provide you with year-round greenery to keep the garden or yard looking vibrant and healthy. The deciduous varieties fade in the fall, and they make a beautiful comeback in early spring. Often, these plants are used as a focal point in a garden because of their fascinating features and coloring, which may be enjoyed much or all of the year. Fast Growth Options While some plants grow quickly and are challenging to contain in a confined garden space, these plants grow relatively slowly. In fact, some types only grow a few inches each year and take numerous years to reach maturity. The height and width of the types vary, which makes it easy for you to find one or several options that are well-suited for your available space. Numerous Varieties Available at TN Nursery With 15 ferns available, you can find lovely differences in frond styles, shades of green, growth rate, and maturity size among the beautiful options. As a result of the many options available, you can explore the characteristics and compare the aesthetics of the possibilities to find one or several varieties that are suitable for your specific expectations.

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