Western Brackenfern
Pteridium aquilinum
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Pteridophyta | - Ferns
- Family:
- Dennstaedtiaceae
- Genus:
- Pteridium
- Species:
- Pteridium aquilinum
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 4-6 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade, Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Colors:
- Not Applicable
Native Range
United States: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming, Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- commonly found in open woodlands and heathlands
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Collect spores from the surface of paper and surface sow in sterilized flats filled with sterile, finely milled peat moss that has been moistened with distilled water. Water spores with distilled water and seal flats with clear plastic wrap to seal in moisture and prevent fungal contamination. Place sealed flats in greenhouse set at 75/55 16/8 day/night temperature cycle.
Establishment: A unique characteristic of bracken fern is that the sterile (non-spore bearing frond) frond margins are covered by inrolled 'false' indusium that contains no spores. Collectors must be able to distinguish between fertile spore bearing fronds and non-fertile fronds. Collect spores just as the indusium begins to lift and spores become visible underneath.
Source: npn.rngr.net