Native Plants

Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

Enter a Plant Name:
Or you can choose a plant family:

Smith, R.W.

Pteridium aquilinum var. latiusculum

Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn var. latiusculum (Desv.) Underw. ex A. Heller

Western Brackenfern

Dennstaedtiaceae (Bracken Fern Family)

Synonym(s): Pteridium latiusculum

USDA Symbol: PTAQL

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N), SPM (N)

Folklore and fable had many references to bracken. In the past it was used in mattresses to prevent rickets, in pillows for the relief of asthma, and in many old time medicines. First Nations People often wore it over their heads to discourage blackflies. (Ferns of Grey and Bruce Counties)

From the Image Gallery

5 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb , Fern

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Not Applicable
Bloom Notes: Not a flowering plant. Reproduces by spores.

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , CO , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IA , IL , IN , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , ND , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , VA , VT , WI , WV
Canada: NB , NS , ON , PE
Native Habitat: Woodland,Forest Edge

Growing Conditions

Soil Moisture: Dry , Moist
Soil Description: Sand

Additional resources

USDA: Find Pteridium aquilinum var. latiusculum in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Pteridium aquilinum var. latiusculum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Pteridium aquilinum var. latiusculum

Metadata

Record Modified: 2012-07-10
Research By: TWC Staff

Go back