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Wasowski, Sally and Andy
Pteridium aquilinum var. pubescens
Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn var. pubescens Underw.
Hairy Bracken Fern, Western Bracken Fern
Dennstaedtiaceae (Bracken Fern Family)
Synonym(s): Pteridium aquilinum ssp. lanuginosum, Pteridium aquilinum var. lanuginosum
USDA Symbol: PTAQP2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), CAN (N)
POISONOUS PARTS: All parts, fiddleheads (curled-up leaves). Low toxicity if ingested. Symptoms include weakness, high fever, incoordination, convulsions. Toxic Principle: Thiaminase, a proteinaceous enzyme causing a reduction in vitamin B1; also a glycoside.
EDIBLE PARTS: Unfurled fronds. Gather young, tightly furled fiddleheads in early spring as soon as they first appear. Remove brownish, papery scales by rubbing with the hands. Soak for several hours in lightly salted water. Cook for 20 minutes on low heat in a pan filled with about 1/2 inch water. Drain well and serve like greens. (Poisonous Plants of N.C.)
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Not ApplicableBloom Notes: Not a flowering plant. Reproduces by spores.
Distribution
USA: AK , AZ , CA , CO , ID , MT , NM , NV , OR , SD , TX , UT , WA , WYCanada: PE
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Bibliography
Bibref 995 - Native Landscaping from El Paso to L.A. (2000) Wasowski, S. and A. WasowskiSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Additional resources
USDA: Find Pteridium aquilinum var. pubescens in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Pteridium aquilinum var. pubescens in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Pteridium aquilinum var. pubescens
Metadata
Record Modified: 2009-02-21Research By: TWC Staff