With a height of 2 meters, the native bracken is one of the largest fern plants. Although it is poisonous, it has often been used in medicine. To avoid the fern, you should be able to identify it with certainty.
How do I recognize a bracken?
The bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) can be recognized by its impressive growth height of up to 2 meters, long, light green, coarse fronds reminiscent of eagle talons, and the triple pinnation along the central axis. The spores are located in the twisted ends of the fern fronds.
What does the bracken look like?
In addition to its height, the bracken fern, Latin Pteridium aquilinum, impresseswith its long, light green, coarse fronds The edges of the fern fronds hang over a little and curl up. The rolled ends make the leaves reminiscent of eagle talons. This is where the plant got its name bracken. The leaves of the fern are pinnate, i.e. divided from the central axis. The fronds are up to 4 meters long and curve downwards.
How do I recognize the bracken?
You can recognize the bracken fernby its impressive height but also by its fronds. Native fern species usually grow up to 90 cm and are therefore significantly smaller than the bracken. Additionally, you can identify ferns by the shape of the fronds. When spread out, these form a large, wide triangle on the bracken. This plant usually has triple pinnation due to lateral branches on the central axis.
Tip
Identify bracken by its spores
Like most ferns, bracken does not flower but forms spores. In this species the spores are located in so-called sporangia. You can recognize bracken because the spores are usually located in the twisted ends of the fern fronds. The spores are additionally protected by a fine veil.
