Pteridium aquilinum esculentum Bracken (Polypodiaceae)

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Pteridium aquilinum esculentum
Bracken
(1 Page of 5)

The Pteridium aquilinum esculentum plant species is found in Australia - New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. New Zealand. It is a member of the Polypodiaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Bracken. Some home gardeners know the variety as P. esculentum. Forst.f.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
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Latin Name:  Pteridium aquilinum esculentum
Common Name:  Bracken
Family:  Polypodiaceae
Author:  Forst.f.

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:

Habitat:  Forests, heaths and paddocks[193].

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. 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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