Pteridium aquilinum – Bracken Fern
Tall (up to 6’), this deciduous fern appears all across the globe. In spring, emerging shoots rise quickly to gain as much sunlight as possible. Come autumn, the tri-parted fronds turn a light brown tone. Once you start trying to dig out a plant or stand of it, you’ll discover a black root system that breaks apart and is ready to resprout from smaller portions. Useful as a loose blanket for protecting smaller natives from excessive winter rains.
