This is an archived copy of this article, recovered after a server failure in January 2022.

Some links may be broken, and editing is disabled. We are working to bring back full functionality.

Pteridium aquilinum esculentum
  • Bracken

a member of the Pteridium genus in the family Polypodiaceae.

Niche
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    The ecosystem niches for this plant are unknown. Do you know them? Click the edit button to add them!
Functions
  • None
    None
    There are no functions defined for this plant. Do you know of some? Click the edit button to add them!
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • light shade
    Light shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • very acid,acid,neutral
    Unknown
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 4
    Zone 4
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Pteridium aquilinum esculentum has 3 edible uses listed
Pteridium aquilinum esculentum has 13 material uses listed
Pteridium aquilinum esculentum has 6 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Toxic parts

There are a number of reports regarding the possible health risks of this plant. The huge quantity of spores released by large areas of bracken are suggested to be implicated in stomach cancers. A recent study suggests that this is not such a problem in Britain as was once believed, the spores are not produced in such high quantities nor do they travel so far due to our normally humid atmosphere. The leaves and roots contain substances that deprive the body of vitamin B1 if they are eaten raw, though they are possibly alright cooked[1]. The leaves are also said to be carcinogenic[2][3].

Edible uses

Notes

Root - rich in a white starch that can be eaten raw or cooked[4]. It can also be dried and ground into a powder[5][6][7][8][9][10][11][1]. The root is very fibrous[12]. When dried, it will store for years[12]. The root contains 60% starch[13]. The dry weight content of starch is between 43 and 72%[12]. This starch can be extracted from the roots and is used in making dumplings which are eaten with soya flour and sugar as a delicacy[14].

Young shoots - raw or cooked[5][6][8][15][10][1][14]. They can be used like asparagus or like spinach[16]. Somewhat flavourless, though they are considered to be a delicacy in Japan[17]. The fronds should be used when less than 20cm long, longer ones have a terrible taste[16][18]. The shoots are somewhat bitter so they are often blanched for a few minutes in boiling water, then left to soak in cold water for two hours before being cooked[17][16]. Although this might well improve the flavour, it will greatly reduce the nutritional value[K]. The shoots should be steeped in lye first[8]. Occasional use should cause no problems, but regular consumption is not advisable because the shoots might be carcinogenic[16][2].

The plant yields an edible saccharine substance[8]. (from the cooking root??).

Leaves

Unknown use

Root

Unknown use

Unknown part

Sweetener

Material uses

A glue can be made from the rootstock[13].

A brown dye is obtained from the fronds[19][20][21]. It is green according to another report[21]. The fibrous remnants from edible roots make a good tinder[22]. The rhizome lathers readily in water and can be used as a soap[13]. A decoction of the root has been used as a hair wash[23]. The roots have been rubbed into the scalp in order to promote hair growth[23]. The roots have been pounded to remove the bark, then split into flat bands and used as the black strands of cheap baskets[23]. The ashes of the plant are rich in potassium and could be used as a fertilizer[17]. They are also used in the manufacture of glass (when mixed with sand) and in making soap (when mixed with vegetable oil)[17][13]. The roots contain up to 20% potash in early summer, but this reduces to about 5% in the autumn[17]. The whole plant is a very valuable addition to the compost heap, it is rich in potash and makes an excellent compost for tree seeds[20][10]. Cut twice a year if you want the plants to continue growing, three cuts annually will weaken and eventually kill off the plants. The dried ferns produce a very durable thatch[17]. The leaves are used as a packing material for fruit, keeping it fresh and cool without imparting any colour or flavour[17][9][22]. They are also used as a lining for baskets, fruit drying racks etc and as a bedding[9][22]. The leaves repel insects and can help to prevent rot in the fruits etc[22].

Dried bracken fronds are very useful in the garden as a mulch for somewhat tender plants. This will keep the soil warmer, protect from wind damage and also keep off some of the rain[4, K].

Unknown part

Adhesive
Basketry
Biomass
Compost
Dye
Hair care
Lining
Packing
Repellent
Soap
Soap making
Stuffing
Tinder

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The young shoots are diuretic, refrigerant and vermifuge[17][7][10][24]. They have been eaten as a treatment for cancer[23]. The leaves have been used in a steam bath as a treatment for arthritis[23].

A decoction of the plant as been used in the treatment of tuberculosis[23]. A poultice of the pounded fronds and leaves has been used to treat sores of any type and also to bind broken bones in place[23].

The root is antiemetic, antiseptic, appetizer and tonic[23]. A tincture of the root in wine is used in the treatment of rheumatism[24]. A tea made from the roots is used in the treatment of stomach cramps, chest pains, internal bleeding, diarrhoea, colds and also to expel worms[17][7][10][25][23]. The poulticed root is applied to sores, burns and caked breasts[25][23].

Unknown part

Anthelmintic
Antiemetic
Antirheumatic
Diuretic
Febrifuge
Poultice

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Spores can be surface sown in the same way as other ferns but this plant really does not need any help in spreading itself about. Division is also possible but totally unnecessary in most circumstances.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Pteridium aquilinum esculentum. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Prefers a light, acid, deep sandy soil[26]. Dislikes shade according to some reports[6][27] whilst another says that it tolerates full sun but prefers light shade[28]. Prefers a pH in the range 4 to 6[28].

Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[29].

This is an extremely invasive plant and is a noxious weed. Plants can be cut down twice a year to provide compost material, this will not kill the plants. If the plants are cut down three times a year this will gradually weaken and eventually kill them.

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Pteridium aquilinum esculentum. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Pteridium aquilinum esculentum.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Pteridium aquilinum esculentum
Genus
Pteridium
Family
Polypodiaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
[4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][1][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][2]
Medicinal uses
[17][7][10][24][23][25]
Material uses & Functions
[13][19][20][21][22][23][17][10][9]
Botanic
[30][28]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
  • Leaves (Unknown use)
  • Root (Unknown use)
  • Unknown part (Sweetener)
Material uses
  • Unknown part (Adhesive)
  • Unknown part (Basketry)
  • Unknown part (Biomass)
  • Unknown part (Compost)
  • Unknown part (Dye)
  • Unknown part (Hair care)
  • Unknown part (Lining)
  • Unknown part (Packing)
  • Unknown part (Repellent)
  • Unknown part (Soap)
  • Unknown part (Soap making)
  • Unknown part (Stuffing)
  • Unknown part (Tinder)
Medicinal uses
  • Unknown part (Anthelmintic)
  • Unknown part (Antiemetic)
  • Unknown part (Antirheumatic)
  • Unknown part (Diuretic)
  • Unknown part (Febrifuge)
  • Unknown part (Poultice)
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
4
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
very acid, acid, neutral
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    ?
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    1.2 x meters
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    ?
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type











    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.21.3 Kavasch. B. Native Harvests. Vintage Books ISBN 0-394-72811-4 (1979-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.12.2 Frohne. D. and Pf?nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe ISBN 0723408394 (1984-00-00)
    3. ? Cooper. M. and Johnson. A. Poisonous Plants in Britain and their Effects on Animals and Man. HMSO ISBN 0112425291 (1984-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.1 Low. T. Wild Food Plants of Australia. Angus and Robertson. ISBN 0-207-14383-8 (1989-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.15.2 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.16.26.3 Triska. Dr. Hamlyn Encyclopaedia of Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-33545-3 (1975-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.17.27.37.4 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.18.28.38.4 Harris. B. C. Eat the Weeds. Pivot Health (1973-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.19.29.39.4 Freethy. R. From Agar to Zenery. The Crowood Press ISBN 0-946284-51-2 (1985-00-00)
    10. ? 10.010.110.210.310.410.510.610.7 Sweet. M. Common Edible and Useful Plants of the West. Naturegraph Co. ISBN 0-911010-54-8 (1962-00-00)
    11. ? 11.011.1 Saunders. C. F. Edible and Useful Wild Plants of the United States and Canada. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-23310-3 (1976-00-00)
    12. ? 12.012.112.212.3 Crowe. A. Native Edible Plants of New Zealand. Hodder and Stoughton ISBN 0-340-508302 (1990-00-00)
    13. ? 13.013.113.213.313.413.5 Komarov. V. L. Flora of the USSR. Israel Program for Scientific Translation (1968-00-00)
    14. ? 14.014.114.2 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
    15. ? 15.015.1 Elias. T. and Dykeman. P. A Field Guide to N. American Edible Wild Plants. Van Nostrand Reinhold ISBN 0442222009 (1982-00-00)
    16. ? 16.016.116.216.316.4 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (1981-00-00)
    17. ? 17.0017.0117.0217.0317.0417.0517.0617.0717.0817.0917.1017.11 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
    18. ? 18.018.1 Weiner. M. A. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books ISBN 0-449-90589-6 (1980-00-00)
    19. ? 19.019.1 Mabey. R. Plants with a Purpose. Fontana ISBN 0-00-635555-2 (1979-00-00)
    20. ? 20.020.120.2 Ahrendt. Berberis and Mahonia. Journal of the Linnean Society, 57 (1961-00-00)
    21. ? 21.021.121.2 Carruthers. S. P. (Editor) Alternative Enterprises for Agriculture in the UK. Centre for Agricultural Strategy, Univ. of Reading ISBN 0704909820 (1986-00-00)
    22. ? 22.022.122.222.322.4 Turner. N. J. Plants in British Columbian Indian Technology. British Columbia Provincial Museum ISBN 0-7718-8117-7 (1979-00-00)
    23. ? 23.0023.0123.0223.0323.0423.0523.0623.0723.0823.0923.1023.11 Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. ISBN 0-88192-453-9 (1998-00-00)
    24. ? 24.024.124.2 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
    25. ? 25.025.125.2 Foster. S. & Duke. J. A. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America. Houghton Mifflin Co. ISBN 0395467225 (1990-00-00)
    26. ? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    27. ? Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press (1962-00-00)
    28. ? 28.028.128.2 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    29. ? Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)
    30. ? Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named PFAFimport-44


    Retrieved from "http://practicalplants.org/w/index.php?title=Pteridium_aquilinum_esculentum&oldid=79860"