Pteridium aquilinum

Bracken Fern

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Vigorous temperate fern with triangular fronds, spreads via aggressive rhizomes. Common in woodlands and heaths. Toxic if ingested raw.
yard Outdoor plants wb_sunny Shade / Half-shade pets Not pet-safe
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Plant Details

Common Name Bracken Fern
Family Dennstaedtiaceae
Genus Pteridium
Species Aquilinum
Origin Temperate Northern Hemisphere
Blooming Non-flowering, reproduces via spores on frond undersides
Leaf Color Blue-green to bright green
Sunlight Shade / Half-shade
Category Outdoor plants
Pet Friendly close No
yard

Care & Maintenance

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Soil

Moist, humus-rich, acidic soil with good drainage

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Watering

Keep consistently moist during growing season, reduce in winter dormancy

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Sunlight & Care

Prefers partial shade but tolerates full sun if soil remains moist

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Fertilization

Apply compost or balanced fertilizer in early spring annually

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Pruning

Remove dead fronds in late winter before new growth

Pest Control Aphid Scale Insect Slug Snail

These are the insects and pathogens that commonly interact with this plant, including pests, parasites, and organisms typically associated with its care.

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Seasonal Periods

eco Leaf Persistence 12 months
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
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Growing Parameters

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Temperature
23° – 86°
Fahrenheit
Ideal ambient air temperature range for healthy growth
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Humidity
40% – 80%
% relative
Optimal relative air humidity the plant thrives in
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Light (LUX)
2000 – 10000
Lux
Ambient illuminance level at the plant's surface
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Light (PAR)
500 – 2000
mmol/m²/s
Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) intensity
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Soil Moisture
30% – 70%
% volumetric
Water content in the growing medium
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Soil EC
200 – 1500
mS/cm
Electrical conductivity (nutrient concentration in soil water)

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