Leaf type: Fronds with elongated smooth or lobed leaflets
Phyllotaxis: Opposite and alternate
Leaf (upper side)
Habitus & biology
Pteridium aquilinum is a deciduous and perennial fern. The fronds can grow to over two metres high. It spreads by spores and rhizomes (runners) growing underground.
The elongated leaflets can be smooth-edged, slightly lobed or pinnately lobed.
All parts of the plant are poisonous.
Distribution & habitates
The distribution area includes Europe as well as regions in North Asia and North Africa. As an introduced species, this fern is also said to occur in Australia (source).
The pictures for this article were taken in Brittany. The bracken fern is quite common there.
Pteridium aquilinum grows on and in forests, in meadows, on dams, on embankments, scrub edges and roadsides.
Botany
Pteridium aquilinum (common bracken, brake, pasture brake, eagle fern) is a member of the Dennstaedtiaceae family.
