Pteridium aquilinum Bracken (Polypodiaceae)

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Pteridium aquilinum
Bracken
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The Pteridium aquilinum plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Polypodiaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Bracken. Some home gardeners know the variety as Pteris aquilina.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Pteridium aquilinum
Common Name:  Bracken
Family:  Polypodiaceae
Author:  (L.)Kuhn.

Known Hazards:  There are a number of reports regarding the possible health risks of this plant. The huge quantity of spores released by large areas of bracken are suggested to be implicated in stomach cancers. A recent study suggests that this is not such a problem in Britain as was once believed, the spores are not produced in such high quantities nor do they travel so far due to our normally humid atmosphere. The leaves and roots contain substances that deprive the body of vitamin B1 if they are eaten raw, though they are possibly alright cooked[102]. The leaves are also said to be carcinogenic[65, 76].

Mature Height:  1.2   Mature Width:  2

Habitat:  Heath, woodland and grassland. A common and highly invasive weed of acid soils[9], it is rarely found on limestone or wet peats[17].

Cultivation Notes: Prefers a light, acid, deep sandy soil[1]. Dislikes shade according to some reports[13, 17] whilst another says that it tolerates full sun but prefers light shade[200]. Prefers a pH in the range 4 to 6[200]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233]. This is an extremely invasive plant and is a noxious weed. It is one of the most widespread plants in the world, being found in all parts of the globe other than the extreme north and south[4]. Plants can be cut down twice a year to provide compost material, this will not kill the plants. If the plants are cut down three times a year this will gradually weaken and eventually kill them.

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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