Bracken Fern - Pteridium aquilinum

The Bracken Fern (Pteridium aquilinum) is a vigorous grower and is one of the most widely distributed ferns on earth. They are native to many parts of the world, found naturally across woodlands environments and are considered cosmopolitan in nature. While many fern species are shade loving, this familiar fern grows well in sunny to shady conditions, making it a useful choice across many garden types.

It is a deciduous fern. After the first frost, it will recede back to its rhizomatous form for the winter months. In the spring, it comes back to life with charming fiddleheads that immerge from the rhizome across the forest floor. Reaching up to 3 ft in length, its fronds are triangular in shape and quite course and robust in appearance.

Plant Details - Bracken Fern

Family: Dennstaedtiaceae

Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3–10

Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade. Grows well in a variety of light conditions

Water Needs: Low to moderate

Height: 2 - 5 ft

Spread: Up to 5 ft

Growth Rate: Fast

Bloom Time: NA

Flower Color: NA

Wildlife Value: Provides cover for ground-dwelling wildlife.

It is an aggressive grower and will spread quickly in the right environment producing a rhizome extending up to 20 ft long. They will spread out into pastures and marginal areas easily, making it an ideal plant to use across a transitional garden space.

The Bracken Fern is not only a quick and efficient growers, it produces allelopathic compounds that reduce other plant’s ability to grow around them, further giving this fern a competitive edge when expanding its colonies. For this reason, it may be considered weedy when growing in optimum conditions.

Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Bracken Fern

This fern is low maintenance, easy to grow, and virtually pest and disease-free. They prefer consistently moist, well-drained, peaty to sand acidic soils. It is a robust fern and will also tolerate depauperate soils. It prefers full sun to part shade, making it a versatile plant for a naturalized woodland area. Once established, this fern will withstand periods of drought however not for long. Since this fern is a prolific spreader, it is best planted in an area where it can roam. Avoid planting in the garden as it can form aggressive rhizomes that are difficult to control and remove.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Fast growing, easy to maintain, grows in sunny to shady environments.

This fern is will provide a speedy ground cover to accompany your garden or woodland landscape, providing habitat for wildlife and visual appeal alike. Shop for the Bracken Fern online at TN Nursery. For 68 years, we have served the landscaping industry and homeowners with specimen plants.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Height at Maturity

Under 2 Feet

Care

Bracken Fern thrives in well-drained, acidic soil and benefits from frequent watering to moisten the soil. Evading overwatering, which can lead to root rot, is essential. Additionally, removing dead fronds promotes healthy growth and helps prevent pests.

Plant Reproduction

Bracken Fern spreads via underground rhizomes and spore dispersal

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Fern Rhizomes

Bare root fern rhizomes are easy to plant and bring lush, woodland beauty to shaded or partially shaded areas. To begin, soak the rhizomes in water for 1–2 hours before planting to help rehydrate them. Choose a planting site with rich, well-draining soil high in organic matter. Ferns thrive in moisture-retentive soil, so amending with compost or leaf mold is ideal.

Dig a shallow hole wide enough to spread the rhizome out horizontally, and place it just below the soil surface with the growing tips (or “eyes”) facing upward. Cover lightly with soil, press gently, and water thoroughly. Keep the soil evenly moist—never dry or soggy—while the fern establishes.

Mulch with leaf litter or pine needles to conserve moisture and mimic the fern’s natural habitat. Avoid direct sunlight, as most native ferns prefer cool, shaded conditions. With patience and proper care, the rhizomes will send up new fronds and form a graceful, low-maintenance colony that returns year after year.

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